Tom M.
Yelp
Sinaloa, I've been told, is well known in Mexico for its BBQ and its seafood. For several years, the Kent-Des Moines neighborhood has had the fortune of having Asidero Sinaloa represent its BBQ tradition, and with the arrival of Sushinola, it can now boast of hosting the seafood traditions of this culinary region of Mexico, as well.
One of those exported traditions is an eye-catcher: Mexican sushi. Unfortunately on my visit, the sushi rolls that originally captured my imagination were unavailable at the time I ordered, due to what sounded like a problem with whatever heating device the bake them in. With that news, I quickly transitioned into a ceviche-style dish that I believe was called Botana Navolato, which featured three types of seafood: prawns, squid, and pulpo (octopus). The sea animals were all very tasty and fresh, and the ceviche sauce was well composed and tart; they served a hotter versionof the sauce in a shot glass at the center of the plate (no, not tequila...). The dish was rounded outby some nice tortilla chips, big and round and clearly handmade.
As good as that dish was, admittedly, regrets...yes, well there were a few. I had come for Mexican sushi after all, and it is hard to switch off a sushi craving. For much of the meal, I could only gaze upon the chopsticks nestled up amongst the tableside collection of salsa picante and wonder what might have been. Complicating matters was the subsequent presumed repair of the heating element. Suddenly, hot food was now again available, and the newly seated guests were able to quickly take advantage. My waitress, perhaps seeing me balefully follow the full menu items now being served to the newer guests, kindly offered me an empanada on the house, which I must say was fresh, delicious and enhanced by the obvious pride ith which it was offered and served.
This is not a formal dining experience. But it is authentic...at least as far as Mexican sushi can be considered "authentic" (and I would say that, based on what my Sinaloan friends tell me, it is pretty damn authentic). Unfortunately, I'll have to leave the description of how that fusion works for the taste buds to other reviewers.
Sushinola is a solid and interesting addition to the regional Mexican cuisine options popping up in the south end of Seattle.