Happy birthday to me! I recently spent my birthday enjoying a staycation in downtown Dallas. I know, I know. I live in Dallas. I get it, but I love downtown Dallas. I stayed at the Omni and gave Black Ship Little Katana a try.

First, give me a sec to nerd out. The teacher in me loves history and learning about it. So, let’s take a look at the historical concept behind Odes Kim’s Black Ship Little Katana. According to the website (and history), thirteenth President Fillmore sent Admiral Matthew Perry on a mission to open the ports in Japan in order to allow trade with America. Admiral Perry set sail on November 24, 1852. He left from Norfolk, Virginia for Japan commanding four ships: the Mississippi, Plymouth, Saratoga, and Susquehanna. The term “black ship” is derived from the dark stains the salt water left on the metal ships and the black smoke produced from the burning coal of the steam engines. Thus the name Black Ship. Oh, and by the way, Perry did more than open up Japan for trade; he was also successful in opening all of Asia.

Now about the food. The menu is a melding of Eastern and Western cultures. You will find Japan, Korea and America represented. The first dish I noshed on was the Coconut Shrimp Tempura. Holy moly, yes, please! The tempura was crispy and light and the hoisin lime sauce was really nice. The slaw was a nice and refreshing addition. 

Next port of call was the sushi rolls. Fresh, cool and yummy sushi rolls. I ordered the Sunny Roll and the Charming Roll. The Sunny Roll was composed of shrimp tempura, avocado, cream cheese. Then it was topped with crabmeat, eel sauce, chili sauce and spicy mayo. Not only was this roll really tasty; it was beautiful to look at. My only wish was that the shrimp tempura be a tad crispier. The Charming Roll was my fave! The roll was filled with crabmeat, salmon and avocado then wrapped in soy paper. Utop all this goodness was fresh tuna and a mayo laced with chili sauce. Pure bliss!

The final stop on the voyage was the entree…I can’t not order a bento box. Something about that lacquered box, with all its little perfectly-proportioned compartments each filled with a different foodie dream, gets me every time. It’s like a buffet in a box! Can I get an AMEN? My bento buffet included: tender, juicy chicken teriyaki, California rolls stuffed with all that rich crab, creamy avocado and crisp cucumber, edamame, salad drizzled with a ginger vinaigrette, steamed rice and wasabi and ginger. Come on now. It really was perfection. I want a bento box every day….for every meal…forever.

Extreme teriyaki close-up!

Black Ship Little Katana was a huge hit and I will return. The sushi menu is huge with over 25 rolls to choose from. They also have a impressive assortment of sushi and sashimi. The decor is dark and rich but not dreary. There is absolutely a nautical feel to it.

Best of luck to Odes Kim and his restaurant’s success. Though I doubt he will need it.

Until next time…just eat it up!