Unique Hand Rolls
Located in Silver Lake, Sonmari is a sister brand of Temaki Society, offering a Japanese-Korean fusion space that reinterprets Korean cuisine in the form of hand rolls. The interior was neatly organized, creating a calm yet sophisticated atmosphere, complemented by the friendly service from the staff, which made for a comfortable dining experience throughout.
The menu was divided into Small Bites, Sonmari, Sushi/Sashimi, making it easy to share and enjoy a variety of dishes. During this visit, we ordered Miso Clam Chowder, Nori Bibim Soba, Mul-Hwe, Truffle Uni Toast, and Maguro Monaka from the Small Bites section, and enjoyed Salmon, Blue Crab, Yellowtail, and Saewoo-Jang from the Sonmari section. Each dish was impressive in how it incorporated elements of Korean cuisine in a unique way.
The Miso Clam Chowder had the familiar flavor of clam chowder enhanced by the richness of miso, while the Nori Bibim Soba combined the aroma of seaweed with buckwheat noodles for a light and refreshing experience. The Mul-Hwe provided a zesty and cool taste that lightened the flow of the meal, and the Truffle Uni Toast showcased a relatively rich flavor with the combination of truffle aroma and the creaminess of uni. The Maguro Monaka offered a crispy texture contrasted with the softness of the tuna, making it easy to enjoy in bites.
Sonmari’s unique method of serving involved placing the Temaki Stick on a separate piece of seaweed, allowing diners to hold it and complete the roll by pulling out the stick. The neatly arranged components made it easy to enjoy without any hassle, and the distinct flavors of each ingredient were clearly discernible. The Salmon Yellowtail was relatively mild and had a soft texture, while the Blue Crab added a nutty flavor that balanced the overall dish. The Saewoo-Jang had a subtle umami flavor from the soy sauce base, leading to a natural finish. The ratio of rice to ingredients was also well-balanced, allowing for a variety of combinations without becoming monotonous.
Sonmari
Overall, the dishes were impressive not only in taste but also in presentation, each served in a carefully arranged manner that added to the visual enjoyment. Sonmari feels like a place where you can experience casual yet refined Korean cuisine, making it a spot to consider when you want to casually drop by Silver Lake for a new style of Korean food. If you’re looking for a unique hand roll experience, why not visit this place?
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