Co-owner Pascaru Dumitru invited That’s Sanya to come try the food at Imperial Bar & Restaurant, so we thought it’d be a great place to take an out-of-town acquaintance. It was a bit of a risk to take a business connection to a new restaurant, especially a new sushi place.
About a month ago we had taken a client to a little-known sushi restaurant in Dadonghai just down the road from Imperial that had cold soup and overpriced crab rolls. They gave us a plate of free, fresh mango, but that gesture wasn’t enough to make up for the sulky mood of a letdown. We then realized it was little-known for good reason.
Thankfully Imperial Bar & Restaurant didn’t make the same mistakes, and we were even surprised by a few of the offerings. Dumitru told us, “Imperial is Japanese and Western food restyled in the European way and culture.”
One of our favorite rolls from that night was lavished with a big slice of salmon and felt like butter, melting across our tongue. He told us that this style of salmon roll is only available in Europe.
Our acquaintance commented on how beautiful the decoration was and how she liked the food. “I always ask local media where to go for food, and I am never disappointed. They know.”
Her praise was an overstatement since this was a complete chance to take her there. We appreciate that Imperial pulled through for this mix of business and friendship.
“Did you see they have pizza?” She asked with a facial expression of curious surprise.
We’ll admit that we didn’t get a chance to try anything other than sushi when we were there. Why fries when edamame? There were no kids with us that night so Japanese food filled the tabletop. We liked the presentation of using a small boat to bring in a selection of different classic styles of rolls.
A modest but delicious roll had sesame seeds mixed throughout the rice’s outer ring. Sesame can be overpowering in flavor and annoying in teeth, but they figured out a nice balance between the two allowing for a pleasant taste.
In responding to the biggest challenge they’ve faced, Dumitru explained, “[We wanted] to make our clients like our food (having a balance between Asian and European customers).”
Dumitru is a part owner with Huang Ming. Together they have had partnerships in Western restaurants and the hotel industry for six years. Dumitru stressed multiple times how important food quality was for them.
They have plans to increase their menu with more balanced, amazing bites and will introduce live music. We have confidence they won’t fall into the ‘little-known’ death category.
And the greatest satisfaction they have from starting this restaurant?
“To see in our customers’ eyes a great feeling from the atmosphere and flavor.”
Imperial Bar & Restaurat
Open daily. 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-11.30pm. No.11-4, Jinmao Seascape Garden, Haiyun Road, Dadonghai. See listing.
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[Images courtesy of Imperial Bar & Restaurant]
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