Two chefs from the Maruhide Uni Club have launched a new venture in Old Torrance. Named Miyabi Uni, they specialize in Asian and non-Asian options featuring uni. They continue their tradition from the Maruhide Uni Club by exclusively using prized Santa Barbara uni.
I visited them during their soft opening. It was raining that day and they hadn’t opened yet. They graciously allowed three of us to enter so that we wouldn’t have to stand outside. The interior is definitely upscale, but not quite to the standards of downtown LA or West Hollywood.
Uni Onsen Tamago served in a cocktail glass
I began with the Uni Onsen Tamago. A cocktail glass beautifully framed this dish. Uni was surrounded by roe, chili threads, micro greens and a soft boiled egg. I resisted mixing the egg with the wooden spoon and consumed it like a beverage. The egg was custard-like in consistency and blended well with the uni. The dashi soy sauce mixture gave this an umami-like experience.
Spicy Tuna Tartare
The Spicy Tuna Tartare reminded me of a castle turret made from fresh avocado and blue fin tuna. This was not a dish that is quickly created as it looked more like a work of art when delivered. Layers of avocado and blue fin tuna formed the perimeter. Inside the wall of avocado and tuna was a quail egg yolk. Chili threads and chives gave the dish an exotic appearance.
Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio topped with ponzu jelly
Miyabi Uni offers several carpaccio dishes. I selected the Hokkaido Scallops. Each scallop was sliced in half and topped with ponzu jelly. Yuzu sauce gave it a nice citrus taste.
Uni Donburi
Because of the amazing presentation of the dishes I had received, I had high hopes for the Uni Donburi. Unfortunately, it was a lot of uni with one tamago egg over steamed rice. Given their attention to presentation, I was expecting the dish to be a bit more elaborate.
I enjoy uni almost as much as an “uni lover”. That said, I will definitely return to try some of their other dishes.
Miyabi Uni, 1211 Cabrillo Ave. Torrance, Ca
https://www.miyabiuni.com/