Why are Philly foodies piling into cars and making a 45 minute pilgrimage to Montgomeryville, PA for sushi? Given that you can’t seem to point your umbrella in any direction in center city, without landing on a new sushi palace. (Starbucks beware. Wherever will you put your next one?) The answer to the first question posed? – That would be “Ooka” – less expensive than Morimoto; more scrumptious than most. If you LOVE sushi, you will FALL IN LOVE with Ooka! (And, these are the words of a sushi lover – yours truly.)
My love affair with sushi began long before it became the “it” item on menus all across this fair city. (And, I mean loooong before…Back in the “Ew! You eat raw fish?…Yah weirdo” days.)
I sat in a small booth with my family at the Asakura Palace in Landowne as my dad ordered for us “a la carte” in Japanese. He usually let me select a few items via the sushi photo cheat-sheet on the table. At some point, I’d wander upstairs to the bathroom, just to take a peek at the private room. Through the Shoji [doors], I could glimpse the tatami mat floors and imagine parties with traditionally dressed guests eating at the very low table. A demure young woman would be ritually mimicking “geisha” pouring tea very precisely. It all seemed particularly appealing and exotic to me. It was a dream of mine to eat in that room. Sadly, I never did come across an on-going party to crash.
Despite being a “once-in-a-while” picky eater as a kid, I loved sushi. (It probably helped that, being so young, I didn’t truly understand what I was eating. Thanks mom and dad!) Needless to say, I was overjoyed when the rest of the world, and especially Philly, caught up to my inexperienced, yet somewhat global palate. Even more exciting, was the day my friends stopped saying “Ew!” and started saying “Where can we go for sushi?”
These days I’ve been spoiled by the easy access to exceptional sushi restaurants all within my eager grasp (and, more importantly, my price range). I want to try it all; and now am brave enough to order exotic items I have yet to understand without the coaching of others. (As long as I get a pile of wasabi on the side.)
Despite this long “affair” with sushi, I’m embarrassed to say that my first trip to Ooka was a complete and utter accident. In fact, it almost didn’t happen at all. Believe in serendipity! After all, how often would a city-oriented girl like me get to Montgomeryville?
I confess, I was there for a gig with PhillyIn friend Margo. Lo and Behold! Out of nowhere, a young chef invites us to stop into the sushi restaurant wherein he works.
We weren’t that hungry and sushi in “Strip Mall, PA” didn’t seem a particularly exhilarating prospect. Yet, something gently, persuasively, nudged us down the street. Whispers of “Ooooooka” soothingly radiating in my ear drum.
As soon as we entered, it seemed we had been teleported back to Center City. Believe me, this restaurant would feel right at home on Chestnut or Walnut. And yet, here it stands, on 309 in Montgomeryville, all by its lonesome.
We were then treated to a spectacle of the senses. The colors and tastes and smells all came and went far too quickly. The meal was intoxicating. I HAD to go back for more (and bring some of the PhillyIn gang along for the ride). And I’m not the only one.
We can thank the inspiration of Chef Shoji Hiyakawa for this hidden gem. After serving as an executive chef at Morimoto, he has gained quite a reputation of his own, and deservedly so. The freshness of the food turns even the simplest piece of sashimi, into a heavenly experience. Ooka takes the specialty maki roll to a whole new level. (No, there is no “Spice Girl” maki on this menu. I promise you, you won’t miss it.) Chef pairs unexpected ingredients in ways that dance around your mouth. His expert play of textures and aromas had me, quite literally, squealing with delight.
Chef Hiyakawa’s knack for finding just the right balance of “fresh and light” and “salty and sweet” and downright, mouth-watering flavors is probably what led the chef to create his “No Soy Sushi”.
Wait just a minute! Touted as a “Sushi Revolution” Chef Shuji Hiyakawa is trying to pry all the soy sauce, wasabi and ginger out of our hands. “Hold up there Mister Man! Not so fast!” (I admit, I am a number one offender. I will not only smother my sushi in all the dressings, I will lick my chopsticks when I’m done.)
According to the menu, the “No Soy” is 7 pieces of “boutique sushi paired with our chef’s artisanally crafted sauces”. Translation – every piece has its very own special sauce, created specifically for that bite. Chef Hiyakawa says, “Each piece is intricate and complex, but the way the flavors pop make it worth all the work it has taken to create.”
Ok. Ok! I took the challenge and reaped the lip-smacking rewards!!!
If drinking is more your thing, you’re in luck! Not only does Ooka boast an extensive list of delicious signature cocktails, they have an impressive sake list as well. PhillyIn sat down with our very knowledgeable bartender, Ryan for a little lesson on what Ooka has to offer.
I suggest a Lychee Cosmo Martini, or the Sake Sangria.
If you’re the “some that like it hot” type, go for the Wasabi Mary.
I’M not much of a Sake drinker, but both I, and the new PhillyIn Interns, Mollie and Melissa, were simply “tickled” by the Princess Sake which was described as “Tinkerbell ‘weeing’ on your tongue.” Which was fairly accurate, but for all the right reasons. Consider it a Sparkling Sake.
If YOU’RE not much of a Sake drinker, you are in luck again! Ooka periodically offers Sake Tasting Nights where $30 will allow you the opportunity to taste their wide assortment of sakes and enjoy free hors d’oeuvres in a lounge-like atmosphere.
And onto — DESSERT! If you know anything about me, you know I have an insatiable sugar addiction. But, let’s face it, the Japanese are not known for their sweets. It’s usually a fruit cup or some of that beany ice cream and possibly a fortune cookie if you’re at some confused Chinese/Japanese sushi combo joint; and you’re out the door.
Yet, Chef Hiyakawa outdoes himself again, because I, Kate, Official Miss Sweet Tooth of PhillyIn.com declare, that not only did I rather thoroughly ENJOY my dessert, I was tempted to lick the plate. (Perhaps I did, but only when no one was looking. Really, you can’t take me anywhere – safely!) Desserts are very seasonal, so much of what you see in our photos may not be available now (specifically, the pumpkin dishes).
If you visit Ooka you GOTTA try:
Sushi Menu: Godzilla Roll (left) shrimp temura, eel, strawberry, avocado, sriracha, wasabi aioli – simply amazing.
Hot Menu: The Saikoro Steak Appetizer “hot stone beef, asparagus, shishito pepper, and garlic puree” made with the Chef’s grandmother’s teriyaki sauce. Melts. Mouth. Enough said.
I also loved: Tuna Bites: pistachio crusted tuna, mango-strawberry salsa, togarashi spice– served on spoons, the mix of tastes and textures are a classic example of what Ooka does best.
I’m not willing to share: The chocolate parfait dessert – An artist palate of four mini-desserts that I could taste separately or play “Chef Hiyakawa” myself, blending in new and different combinations for each and every bite. Sorry folks, there just isn’t enough to go around (and may be seasonal) – call me selfish.
My favorite cocktail: Sake Sangria
Standout Dishes:
Sushi Menu: No Soy Sushi – 7 pieces of custom made flavor burst!
Hot Menu: Aromatic Scallop Appetizer a “wasabi-panko scallop, edamame hummus, yuzu foam” (This in appetizer, i.e. very small portion. Just an fyi.)
Fav Sake: Ichinokura. The Princess, a Sweet Sake Sparkler.
Best bang for your buck: Any of the lunch deals. Or try the Omakase Chef tasting if you want a frugal feast.
*For more of the PhillyIn gang’s Ooka recommendations, see the end of the article.
Looking to save a little dough? Or just test the waters? Come to Ooka for lunch and give it an inexpensive whirl.
If you’re adventurous like me, (or indecisive), go for the “Omakase”, and let the chef pick the meal for you. 6 courses, $35 (or $70 if you go for the alcoholic drink pairing) – that’s a lot of bang for your buck; and, if I’ve learned anything about the menu at Ooka, it’s the astute knowledge of the pairing of flavors that sets them apart from the rest. The staff knows their stuff; so don’t be afraid to ask. (pumpkin dishes mention in video are only available seasonaly)
If all this isn’t enough, they also have a full Hibachi grill that keeps the place popping for groups looking for a show. (No word on whether they have a private room with tatami mats to host my next birthday party though.)
Ooka’s menu is modern, yet simple. The menu changes seasonally because the focus is on fresh. Often, ingredients are picked straight from the garden both for food and for their signature cocktails (no pre-mixers here).
Suffice to say, I whole-heartedly concurred with Philadelphia Magazine when they bestowed upon Ooka the tasty title of “Best Sushi in Philadelphia” despite not actually being IN Philadelphia. It just… IS! (And perhaps, one day – Walnut Street — It could happen…. a gal can dream, can’t she?)
Ooka is a taste adventure that is worth the journey. Your taste buds will thank you later.
Ooka Japanese Restaurant
764 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA 18936-9601
(215) 361-1119
Online Reservations: http://www.ookasushi.com/new/montgomeryville.html
Friend Ooka: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ooka.montgomeryville
*PhillyIn Thoughts on Ooka
JUSTIN
If you visit Ooka you GOTTA try: As far as the food, the scallop with edemame hummus was by far my favorite. It was very flavorful, and you could tell was very fresh, because it did not have a strong seafood flavor.
My favorite cocktail: All of them! If Japanese cuisine isn’t your thing, even going for cocktails would be worth the trip. I tried some of the most original and delicious drinks I have ever had, and they are all made from scratch and unique to anything I’ve ever tasted.
Fav Sake: Never having tried Sake before, the experience I enjoyed most at Ooka was the various selections of sake.
I also loved: The only part I enjoyed more than the delicious food was the service and hospitality that the manager and bartender provided. They were very friendly and outspoken, and met all of our needs with the utmost diligence. To say they were knowledgeable about Japanese cuisine would be an understatement.
MELISSA: PhillyIn Intern
If you visit Ooka you GOTTA try: The Lobster Dynamite Roll had the perfect tastes of lobster, spicy tuna, mango, avocado and sweet chili sauce—all of which are my favorite ingredients—rolled up in the perfect mouthful of deliciousness!
I’m not willing to share: The Dessert Bento Box. The different delicious options all strategically placed on the plate made me want to curl up in a ball of comfort…far, far away from society.
My favorite cocktail: The Lychee Cosmopolitan had me daydreaming about flying off to an exotic island in the Pacific Ocean.
Standout Dishes: Everything stood out at Ooka! The fish and meat all taste fresh and well-flavored, and the cocktails were extremely unique and reminiscent of the summers in Japan I never had…
Hot Menu: The Saikoro Steak was brilliant—tender, full of flavor (the Chef’s grandmother’s very own teriyaki sauce recipe) and making me crave more!
Fav Sake: The Ichinokura Sparkling Sake was delightful. Felt just like a fairy kiss on my tongue.
I also loved: The Spicy Tuna Tacos with the crispy gyoza, guacamole foam and nori-sour cream. Did I mention that they have guacamole foam? <3
Best bang for your buck: The sushi! Ooka had by far the best sushi this side of the country. Large portions and the authentic flavor are so worth the drive.
MOLLIE: PhillyIn Intern
If you visit Ooka you GOTTA try: Dessert and drinks! I admit, I’m not that into seafood. My fav things were the sweet treats and the signature cocktails!
I’m not willing to share: Green Tea Chiffon Cake, Cinnamon Ice Cream (seasonal)
My favorite cocktail: Lychee cosmopolitan: stoli vanil, soho lychee liqueur, cranberry and the Plum Tea: pearl plum vodka, crushed plum oolong, mint
Standout Dishes: Pumpkin Creme Brule + their homemade cinnamon ice-cream
Fav Sake: Ichinokura Sparkling Sake. Princess tasting!
I also loved: The service, they all really knew what they were talking about.
Best bang for your buck: The Sake Tasting nights! $30 Sake tasting plus free food!
*Have you been to Ooka? What’sYOUR favorite sushi place? Leave your comments at the bottom!
