He Ate/She Ate: Miyabi 9

He Ate

I crave sushi. I’ve had some of the best around the country, and never did I think I would have good sushi in Iowa. We’ve eaten at every sushi place in Des Moines, and I’ve had an unsatisfactory experience everywhere other than Miyabi 9. Some folks say Waterfront is the spot. Nope. Almost identical in ingredients but not as precisely executed as it’s not a sushi bar. Sashimi can be all about the freshness of the fish, and Waterfront can stand up to that. But for actual sushi, for fresh fish, perfectly cooked rice, plus creativity, I won’t eat anywhere other than Miyabi.

Before Miyabi goes and gets a big head (not that this reviewer is the first to pepper it in accolades), this is certainly far from the best sushi I have ever had (that title goes to Blowfish in San Francisco). Iowa is landlocked – so it’s not a fair battle. However, as it bears repeating – there is no better place to eat sushi than Miyabi 9 in the state of Iowa. Period.

I love eel. SHE looks at me like I’ve just ordered braised panda. One day SHE will discover the true power of a perfectly cooked eel, but ever since chefs on Chopped  received eel in their basket, I have little chance of convincing her. Miyabi cooks their eel expertly, I strongly recommend any of their eel rolls – but their Eel Sashimi wins every time. Since we share, I always get a few pieces just for me. Should you go rolls – go with my favorite – Spider: deep-fried Soft Shell Crab with Eel and Special Sauce. I tend to be a purist when it comes to sushi, which basically means “nothing deep-fried or with cream cheese” but this roll has won me over

For the non-eel friendly (SHE) I also enjoy their Tiger roll. Though if I’m not getting eel, I tend to try some of their non-sushi items. Appetizers – perfectly done Edamame, Steamed Pork or Shrimp Dumplings (come on Iowa – go for steamed), Seaweed Salad with just the right amount of sesame and one of the best Squid Salads I’ve ever had.

I would be remiss if I left out the atmosphere and the service – both are high quality. We recently ate at Hoshi Lounge, and received quite possibly the worst service we have ever had. So I need to give props where props are due – not only is their food outstanding, but also the décor makes you feel like you’re in a big city. We’ve never eaten there when the room is not full, and the servers actually know their menu and can make recommendations that are informed and intuitive.

We are lucky to have Miyabi in Des Moines. I would like to see a bit more creativity on the menu, like adding some other fruits into the roll mix (green apple, kiwi, strawberry) and perhaps some coconut to go with the eel, but I’ll keep coming back for more surprises and the best sushi our city has to offer. And one day, SHE will eat eel. No that’s not a euphemism.

She Ate

Damn. It’s hot out there. It’s too hot to grill out. It’s too hot to cook in. It’s even too hot to order pizza. In the two minutes it takes me to pay the delivery guy, my perfect 72 degree living room gets inundated with hundred-degree humidity. The only solution is sushi. Fresh, cold, raw sushi…and lots of it.

A land-locked city like Des Moines, logically, should not have as many sushi restaurants as it does. Yet from West Glen to the East Village, sushi bars are popping up like bobbers. There’s Taki on 86^th in Urbandale, known more for its cocktails and sake bombs than its sushi. There’s Sakari on Ingersoll, if you like your sushi served amidst half a dozen blaring flatscreens.  As for me and HE – our spot is Miyabi 9.

The owner and chef is Miyabi Yamamoto, or “Mike” as he’s known stateside. Anytime Miyabi 9 is open, you can find Mike behind the sushi bar, slinging sashimi with a quick wit, and sometimes with a quick temper. He’s as much fun to watch as the sushi is to look at. But it’s not just a pretty picture. Miyabi 9 is fresh, creative, and most importantly delicious. The combos are a plenty, so those who aren’t as adventurous (me) can get their fill of something tasty while hanging with those who will eat anything (HE).

I started with steamed pork dumplings, decidedly neither raw nor seafood, but definitely delicious. The dumpling itself melts away, and the pork inside is tender and flavored simply with scallions, salt, pepper & soy. The pork I stay away from on Miyabi’s menu is the “Iowa Roll.” Deep fried pork, carrots and cucumber…makes me think maybe Iowa doesn’t really need its own roll. But I am an Iowa girl, and I brought my big girl appetite with me so I ordered two rolls as an entrée. I also brought a few really hungry friends, so I knew all the food on the giant fish-shaped platter would find a home. I went with the spicy tuna, a sushi bar standard, but one that Miyabi does exceptionally well. The tuna is super-fresh (as always) and the spicy mayo is light and creamy with just enough kick (this from a girl who has a deep hatred of anything calling itself mayo…I’m a walking contradiction, I know). My second, the Tiger roll, was comprised of tightly rolled shrimp tempura, salmon, cucumber, and avocado, wrapped in seaweed. This big roll is full of flavor and texture. Creamy avocado meets crunchy tempura, smooth salmon meets crisp cucumber. Definitely worth the $10.50, and I consider any roll over $10 to be a splurge. I washed it all down with my favorite sushi bar cocktail in all of DSM, and there must be hundreds…  The Ume Cocktail at Miyabi 9 is simply chilled white wine and house sake, and those are the only two mixers I need.

With all those Ume Cocktails and chilled rolls Miyabi has to offer, who really needs AC on a day like this?    *SHE raises hand*