Rave: Tamari, a Latin-Asian fusion restaurant in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh

Sunday, October 18th marked the 6th wedding anniversary of me and my wonderful husband Matt. My father-in-law was brave enough to babysit our little boys, so Matt and I headed out to a new restaurant on Butler Street in Lawrenceville, Tamari.

A quick self-portrait on the way in. (All photos shot with my point-and-shoot camera, a Canon G9).

If only it had been a little warmer, perhaps we would have sat outside in this nice little patio area.

I love the meaning behind the name of the restaurant, printed at the top of the menu.

“In Latin culture, the Indigenous Huarpe people of Argentina use the word ‘Tamari’ to describe people who ‘do everything with passion.’”

“In Asian culture, Tamari is the ‘original’ Japanese soy sauce with a complex and rich flavor.”

We tried a little bit of everything. First up was the first item listed under small plates – the filo wrapped shrimp. They were not just delicious, but a work of art. And Matt very graciously allowed me to photograph them before digging in.

We also had an amazing lemongrass chicken spring roll, and then a couple sushi rolls, including the tropical roll, which was topped with perfect fresh mango.

We couldn’t refuse trying a few items from the robata grill. The ponzu butter dipping sauce accompanying the shitake mushrooms was unbelievable. I even dipped the bed of greens in it. Next up was tuna and salmon ceviche, which were zesty and tangy.

Matt chose beef tenderloin for his entree, and I had the Pan seared Chilean sea bass with chipotle whipped potato, sauteed watercress and smoked chili butter. Again, beautiful presentation.

And in honor of our Mexican honeymoon, I started the meal with a tall margarita… and then couldn’t refuse the Rogue Chipotle Ale. I didn’t realize it would come in a 22oz bottle! Believe it or not… I didn’t actually have any trouble finishing it. It had just a bit of a spicy kick to it, but not so much as to be overpowering.

All in all – a perfect meal! Matt and I both loved what we had, and we loved that there is somewhere where he can get sushi but there are plenty of other options as well.

Happy anniversary to us!