Silhouette

 
Silhouette is a new Sushi restaurant at 7th and Congress at the site of the former and much lamented Pango’s Sushi. I’ve got good news and good news. For the ladies, there are no video more hidden video cameras in the restroom. The former owner got hammered pretty good for that little stunt. And the food under the new regime is even better than it was under the previous owner.

Pearl is the congenial manager of this rocking little downtown destination. She sets a tone that’s both hip and accommodating. I like places like this. It’s got a good nighttime vibe that’s perfect for the downtown area.

Silhouette features really tasty and intriguing appetizers. One of the most interesting is the Peppered Tuna. This is a wonderfully thin and flavorful slices of tuna sashimi served with scallions and ponzu sauce. I also enjoyed the Shumai, the steamed shrimp and vegetable dumplings. They are tender and with a very engaging texture. The Hamachi Kama is also very good. This is grilled cheek of yellowtail served with a teriyaki sauce. The Sunomono salads are also good. I like the Kani Maki Sunomono, which is fresh crab wrapped in cucumber. Wonderfully fresh and pristine flavor.

The nigiri sushi, the standard against which any sushi joint is measured, is fresh and fragrant at Silhouette. I’ve tried the Toro, or the fattier section of the tuna, and for $8.50 for two pieces, it’s a good deal. If Toro is a bit much for your pocketbook, the hamachi (yellowtail) is more reasonable and equally tasty. I also like the Hirame (flounder) and the Unagi (fresh water eel).

The designer rolls at Silhouette are also fun and great eating. I’ve tried the seriously tasty Van Gogh roll which consists of cooked eel, avocado, and cucumber rolled with squid, masago, and spicy sauce. I can’t be sure if Vincent himself would have liked this roll, but the taste mirrors his allegedly firey personality. Another roll, named after the master of nihilism himself, is the Nietzsche roll. This combines spicy shrimp, avocado, eel, and cucumber.

And you can wash it all down with some of the most delicious libations this side of Taiwan. Make it a point to try their Silhouette Fruit Tea which is just outrageous. Another favorite is the Wild Blossoms and Berries. And check out one of the fabulous teas from their tea ceremony presentation.

There’s a lot to like about Silhouette and to make it even more compelling, the food’s all good for you, as well as being good tasting. I would make it a point to get there ASAP.