Hamamori

Hamamori
This restaurant in South Coast Plaza II (formerly Crystal Court) offers an eclectic, exotic array of sushi. Executive Chef James Hamamori creates the signature sushi pieces to be eaten without soy sauce, so they include a lot of seasoning and garnishes. The restaurant has been open for about two years. Inside is a small eating area and sushi bar. The ambiance is sensual and evokes the feeling of being underwater,due to a wall with undulating waves and other aquatic features and colors throughout the restaurant. The eating area spills out into what used to be the food court, which doesn't have a food court feel anymore. Hamamori is across from California Pizza Kitchen on the third floor of the plaza. The weekday happy hour goes until 6:30 p.m.

What I ate:
Salmon skin roll ($5 during happy hour). This luscious concoction contains salmon skin with gobo, a Japanese root, and is the perfect combination of crispy and salty.

Seared scallop with truffle sauce. One of Hamamori's signature sushi creations that does not require soy sauce. Amazingly delicate and refreshing. It's soft and lightly seared and the truffle sauce is incredible. ($4.50) Some of the other signature creations come with foie gras pate and are also infused with truffle oil.

Raw scallop with caviar. Caviar! Need I say more. Seasoned with yuzu juice with lemon and Himalayan rock salt. Unparalleled. ($4.50)

Unagi with orange zest. Melts in your mouth. ($2.50 during happy hour)


Entree:
Deep-fried pork with white rice and miso soup. The sauce is sweet and super tangy, and better than bbq sauce. The sauce contains vegetables, fruit and vinegar. The pork is Kirubuta tenderloin and very light and moist, even without the sauce. The breading is made of a Japanese bread called panko, which is light.

For dessert:
A special creation of pumpkin flan, topped with candied cashews, strawberries and blueberries. A sweet counterpoint to the sushi. Light and creamy and luscious. The best way to eat pumpkin and the best way to eat flan. ($8)Restaurant info:
www.hamamori.com