With so many good sushi/handroll spots popping up, you can build yourself quite the rotation with few repeats. That means, when you do find yourself continuing to hit up a single spot, it must be extra special. Such is the case with Mari.ne, a Korean hand roll bar that I have found a way to go to any time I’m remotely near Bryant Park/Times Square.
The restaurant is counter service only, but I was impressed by how attentive and smiley the wait staff was. Each time I visited, I was on a date with myself, and they knew just how much space to give me. They were also super helpful when it came to suggesting wine and sake.
On one such “date,” I decided to start with a half dozen oysters, and they were fabulous. And the accoutrements – hey now! Elderflower ponzu and broccoli mignonette. So good, especially that broccoli mignonette. And the oysters themselves were nice and clean. Will definitely keep them on as part of my go-to order (vs. one extra handroll).
The first time I went I got the standard 5 hand rolls…and then added 3 more. I probably should have just added 2 more, but I couldn’t pass up the uni. The standard 5 ($32) are fatty tuna, salon, yellowtail, shrimp, and spicy tuna. All are good and all are dressed nicely without overpowering the fish. I love a sauce, so I had fun drizzling one of the 4 house made ones in all sorts of combos, particularly the mustard soy. And aren’t those bottles the cutest?! Pricing is on point too: if you do the 5 handrolls and add a little extra, you’ll wind up spending $50-$60 on food and be very satisfied. Not bad for this type of meal. And by this type, I mean one that comes from a chef who’s nabbed himself two Michelin stars. (And if you have vegan friends, they’ve got some good options, FYI.)
Peaches to Apples 