Photos by C. Whitney-Ward
Just opened two weeks, this crisp and inviting sushi dining spot is a delightful and delicious destination. Large paper lantern-lights hang from the ceiling, tall black banquettes give a wonderful sense of privacy, and the walls are painted a luscious and eye-popping shade of green.
Owned by Sara Riveria and Hyon Pak (everyone calls him Pak) and named after their four-year old son, KAI will not only appeal to sushi aficionados who want everything intriguing and fresh, but to anyone with a keen sense of Japanese aesthetic. The food arrives at table artistically plated - a delight for the eye as well as the palate.
Nari, the Sushi Chef lft. & Owner Pak rt.
Sara Roll - shrimp tempura, cucumber and avocado, topped with spicy crab & Masago caviar. Beautiful, beautiful presentation and lovely flavors.
KAI offers a varied menu - tempting starters, lunch and dinner entrées, and a nice selection of sushi & sushi rolls and bento boxes. Lots of delicious temptation here. I tried the Tempura Shrimp Bento and it was a feast, The tempura batter was light and crisp on the outside, and the veggies - sweet potato, mushrooms, zucchini - were perfectly cooked on the inside. And it was my first taste of a Japanese Tootsie Roll (upper rt. in photo below), an intriguing taste mingling of salmon, tuna and scallions.
And there's a small Kids Menu that's priced just right.
KAI Sushi & Dining
720 St. Michael's Drive
Plaza del Sol
(next to Kinkos)
505.438.7221
