ウニ王子
********************This restaurant has also been introduced on my YouTube channel. Please check it out if you are interested. Uni Prince Channel "Maru Sushi" https://youtu.be/mUostpAumf8 ********************
A renowned, long-established restaurant in the Susukino area of Sapporo with one Michelin star ⭐️. The previous owner, who trained at Sushi Zen, moved to Hawaii with his wife and ran "Maru Sushi Hawaii" there. The current second-generation owner of the Sapporo branch trained at the prestigious Ginza restaurant "Kosasa Sushi" from the age of 19 to 25, and took over the Sapporo branch as the second generation in 2016.
【Owner】The second-generation owner is Mr. Junnosuke Kawasaki. Born in 1985, he is now 36 years old. He has a gentle and friendly demeanor, making it easy to talk to him. It is said that his father, the previous owner, had already envisioned his son's future path when he was born, saying, "Would you take care of my son? He has just been born." He reportedly mentioned this to the head chef of "Ginza Kosasa Sushi," where he trained.
【Interior】The interior features a circular wall that stands out gorgeously, with a cozy feeling of warmth from the white wood counter seating for 10. There are three places where the boxes of ingredients are visible from the counter seats.
【Shari】The rice used is "Sasayui" from Miyagi Prefecture, finished with white vinegar, salt, and sugar to create a slightly firm and gently acidic shari that retains the hardness of the rice.
【Omakase Course 22,000 yen (tax included)】
▶︎Horse mackerel sushi: Starting with the classic horse mackerel sushi, the chewy texture of the horse mackerel envelops the shari nicely. The refreshing aroma of the condiments adds a balanced and delicious touch.
▶︎3-piece set of flatfish from Hakodate: Flatfish with engawa and uni rolls. Left to rest on ice for a day to bring out the texture while enhancing the flavor. The juicy flavor that spreads when chewed makes it enjoyable, and it pairs well with sea urchin.
▶︎Live octopus: Taste the legs and suckers separately. Since they are processed separately, the texture is different. The live octopus is soft and sweet, while the crunchy and crisp suckers have a great texture.
▶︎Hokki clam from Funka Bay: Excellent texture and strong sweetness, very delicious!
▶︎Maru Sushi specialty "Dried shad roe": Dried in the sun for 5 days, then soaked in rice bran and salt for a week. When bitten, it has a unique texture like "gritty" and a deep, addictive taste. The dried shad roe has a unique aroma like dried squid, and it is so delicious that I couldn't help but ask for more. (laughs)
▶︎Grilled conger eel: A dish passed down from a sushi restaurant that has been around since the Edo period. Taught by the head chef of Kosasa Sushi, his training place.
▶︎Ezo abalone soup: Abalone simmered for over 2 hours in only sake. Enjoy the saltiness and umami of the abalone in a soup bowl.
▶︎Sea urchin and salmon roe rice bowl: The mouthfeel of the Hokkaido salmon roe is excellent, and the sea urchin and salmon roe bowl is delicious. Normally, it takes about 10 minutes to wash and marinate in soy sauce, but the head chef does it in just 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
【Nigiri】
▶︎Squid: The squid is sticky and has a good bite, and the sweetness of the topping is felt more as you chew.
▶︎Squid lower leg: Rubbed with salt to bring out the chewy texture, it is rare inside with a hint of fattiness, and the contrast in texture is wonderful, making it delicious.
▶︎Akami tuna from Oma: Strong umami and surprisingly strong acidity for this season, with a good aroma and taste.
▶︎Toro tuna from Oma: Good aroma, strong umami, and a lingering aftertaste. The gentle acidity and lingering aroma are excellent.
▶︎Kawahagi liver: The moist melting texture is amazing! It melts right away, but the lingering aftertaste is long, and the balance between the top and bottom is very good.
▶︎Gizzard shad: The skin is left intact, and the flesh is soft, making it the best gizzard shad. It has a juicy texture and a pleasant aroma typical of young gizzard shad.
▶︎Mackerel: The skin is left intact, and the flesh is soft, making it the best mackerel. It has a juicy texture and a pleasant aroma typical of young mackerel.
▶︎Grilled saury: The skin is left intact, and the flesh is soft, making it the best grilled saury. It has a juicy texture and a pleasant aroma typical of young grilled saury.