Tamaki Custom Sushi And Wraps

Oh wow… I am never going to Chipotle for a burrito again! I just had Tamaki’s Korean BBQ wrap, and was blown away by all of the umaminess. My wrap was filled with bulgolgi, seaweed, mushroom, kimchi, and some squash that the lady recommended… I forget what it’s called. Actually, most of the filling came at her recommendation, which were spot on! I’m definitely coming back to try their other wraps.
I came with 2 other friends — one had phở, and the other a custom noodle bowl. They both liked their bowls, though probably not to the extend that I enjoyed my wrap. (Seriously, I just came from Tamaki about an hour ago and am still so full, but am drooling writing this review. KBBQ wrap… such geniusness…) We also shared a tempura avocado appetizer that they made fresh on the spot, so it was warm and crispy. The tempura sauce was also very tasty — a good salty with a slight tang. Yums…
I’ve seen a few restaurants open and close at this spot. I sure hope Tamaki will stay!

If I was rating the concept itself — I give it 4.5 stars, however behind all things, there’s what we human beings call ‘food’ and no matter how good a place looks (or doesn’t look in other cases), it all comes down to the food, then the service — in my humble opinion :)
After getting haircut, I was heading that way and told myself that if there’s a parking lot in front of the restaurant, then I’ll stop by… well guess what happened… as I make that left turn to Liberty, a car pulled out… so yup, stopped by.
Since it’s a new place, the interior looks clean, new and flow of the traffic was nice… like I said, I like the concept, but gotta wonder how well they do when they are busy… anyways, decided to take the safe route and ordered spicy california roll and spicy tuna roll. While someone was making the rolls, the other guy was busy trying to reboot the POS — took some time, but after 10 minutes, paid for my rolls and walked out. The guy that was helping me was very friendly.
Got home, started to eat the rolls… as I picked them up, the rice wanted to fall apart from the laver (seaweed)… also, the rice was very dry — typically sushi rices sticky — which requires little more water then normal… the wasabi was your typical product — dehydrated powder with water…
For $ 10.50 for two rolls, it wasn’t bad… although I think there are other places on campus that I could have gotten the same two rolls for cheaper price… not sure if this place will survive the Liberty area with Slurping Turtle opening up soon…
For now, it’s a Tier 2 sushi joint with an awesome concept… but they have long ways to go to be on par with some of the other sushi joints… now, I haven’t tried their other foods offering, so I’m sure the review will be updated as time allows me to revisit them to try other foods they sell… the rice bowl and wraps looks interesting.