Technically I've been going to Nori since October of last year... and I've wanted to write about them ever since then (but life got busy and I was a little burnt out). But it's too good not to feature, so they're kicking off my 2019! Plus I did go to Nori in January. Ha!
I've been following Chef Jimmy Park since the days of Pok the Raw Bar (still my favorite poke place in Dallas). I had one of the best meals when the raw bar opened up there. Since Chef Jimmy left Pok, I've been WAITING for him to do something else. Finally Nori Handroll Bar opened in September 2018 in Deep Ellum!! Woohoo!
Nori Handroll Bar
2814 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75226
(469) 436-6674
norihandrollbar.com
Price: $$-$$$$
I've gone numerous times since they've opened and every time the food is just fantastic. I expected nothing less from Chef Jimmy! Hands down my favorite sushi spot in Dallas, Nori has a great chef (duh!), a great team, and wonderful owners. Plus the decor (minimalist modern) and the music are great!
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| Chef Jimmy Park being his awesome self. |
1) The seaweed is very important. Nori's is custom made so it has that perfect crispness when you bite into it. Eat it quickly when they place the handroll in front of you so you can experience that perfect texture. The longer the handrolls sit, the softer the seaweed can get. (Mind you, it's still good if left sitting too long, but once you experience how it's SUPPOSED to be, you'll know what I'm talking about!)
2) The handroll chefs at Nori will wait until you have consumed one roll before making your next one. That way the handrolls are not left sitting too long.
3) This one is specific to Nori... their handrolls do not need soy sauce. AT ALL! I have never used soy sauce there because each roll is already so flavorful. I do get their wasabi relish to put on there though. YUM!
Aside from handrolls, Nori also offers complimentary tapas such as seaweed salad, octopus salad, edamame, shishito peppers, and more.
Since I've been there so many times already, I'm just going to post a bunch of pictures and what they are. You can't go wrong with anything. I'd happily eat any of these again!
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| Yamaimo (japanese mountain yam, shisho, ume boshi) $5.50~ Gluten free and vegetarian |
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| King Salmon (house cured ora king salmon, crushed sesame seeds, chives) $7~ Gluten free |
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| Negitoro (fatty tuna, scallion) $9~ Gluten free |
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| Negihama (yellowtail, scallion, crushed sesame) $7~ Gluten free |
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| Nori Scallop (hokkaido scallop, tempura crunch, creamy spicy) $8~ This is a personal favorite. |
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| Red Crab (red crab, garlic aioli) $9~ Gluten free |
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| Baked crab... torched in front of you. Yum! |
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| Baked Crab (red crab, baked avocado with creamy spicy) $9~ Gluten free. Another personal favorite. |
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| Ebi Katsu (panko shrimp, ginger dressing) $8~ This is my absolute favorite! |
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| Chef's Temaki Special: This changes, but I had Tamago (egg). |
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| Lobster (lobster, butter ponzu aioli) $10~ |
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| Uni (uni, lobster roe pate, gold flake) $MKT~ Gluten free |
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| Brussels Sprouts (fried brussels, parmesan, premium sauce, crushed sesame) $7~ |
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| Rock Shrimp Tempura (amazu ponzu or creamy spicy, yuzu) $MKT~ |
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| Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar) $18~ |
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| Takoyaki (octopus dumplings, mentaiko sauce, bonito) $8~ |
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| Chicken Karaage (japanese fried chicken) $8~ |
Here are also some special bites that Chef Jimmy has made for me. I am honored to be considered his friend and can experience these wonderful creations! Disclaimer: Nori does not offer omakase (chef's tasting) on their regular menu. They may offer it on certain holidays so keep an eye out for that! They recently did one for NYE and Valentine's Day.
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| Hakami in homemade soy sauce |
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| Salmon Belly nigiri |
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| Home cured Japanese mackerel nigiri |
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| Yellowtail in homemade wasabi soy sauce |
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| Bluefin with ponzu |
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| Kampachi with jalapeno dressing |
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| Spear Squid nigiri |
One last thing. Save room for dessert. It's not listed on the menu, but sometimes Nori will have this donut ice cream dessert that is just to die for. The donuts are from Detour Doughnuts in Frisco (they're seriously good at what they do) and topped with either a matcha or black sesame ice cream, with different sauces poured at the table. It's delicious. You won't wanna share. :P
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| Detour's custom Black Sesame donut with Black Sesame ice cream |
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| Detour's Creme Brulee donut with Black Sesame ice cream and chocolate sauce |
Thanks for always taking such great care of me, Chef Jimmy and Nori team! If this post doesn't convince you to go check them out... I don't think we can be friends. LOL! They just recently rolled out a new lunch menu btw. I'll be checking that out soon!
~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
