For years now, Yosaku, that Japanese place on Danforth St. near Brian Boru, has been my favorite place in town to go for sushi. But I’m starting to reconsider. After two delicious meals last week at Shima, the new French / Japanese fusion restaurant that just opened on Fore St. across the street from Rosie’s, I think my loyalties are beginning to shift.
To begin with, Shima has a menu vast enough that I may never become familiar with it all as well as a constantly shifting set of specials. I opted for a special – the tempura-fried, fish-wrapped spinach – since it didn’t sound like anything I’d ever had before, and I figured it’d be wonderful to try. Indeed, it was. Served on a plate full of a sauce which tasted distinctly French, it was a flavorful dish far surpassing my simplistic prior experiences with sushi.
After enjoying the pleasure of the primary course, I ordered one of my favorite pieces of sushi, a salmon and avocado roll, accompanied by a cold glass of “Surprise me.” I love asking bartenders to surprise me – it gives them a chance to be creative and me a chance to judge their taste. The Dragonberry Mojito that showed up a couple minutes later made me quite happy. It all fit so very smoothly with the well balanced lighting, grooving jazz music and classy atmosphere.
The atmosphere at lunchtime was more relaxed and quieter as there wasn’t any music playing. The lunch prices are low enough to fulfill any college student’s dream of value: $8 for “The Regular,” a maki sushi roll and a variety of nigiri. Both times I went in, the two waitstaff who attend each table provided some of the best attention I’ve ever received while dining out.
Shima offers delicious food at a great price, a feat that has not been executed as well in this town since Portland food legend Harding Lee Smith opened The Front Room. If you’re looking to get a solid dose of excellent food and a healthy bit of culture, don’t miss it.
Shima: 339 Fore St., Portland.
I really got impressed to have food from Shima Restaurant after going through this article. I liked it very much. Thanks for sharing with all.