Feburay 14, 2003
by Patti Payne
HOT TIP : If you like Japanese food, run, don’t walk, to a week-old restaurant named FLO, a Japanese Restaurant and Sake bar few people have yet discovered at Northeast 12th and 106th Northeast.
FLO is named after the FLOw of water, by owners Steve and Jia Mooko, who moved to Bellevue from Hawaii.
The decor, techie and cool, reflects the serenity of water and waves. The food is traditional Japanese fused with European.
The owners don’t expect to have a grand opening for a month, so you can find seating now. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren has been in several times in a week with various folks. I predict there will be a wait for the 100 seats before too long.
The menu items, very reasonably priced, are grouped according to hot and cold dishes, in portions a bit bigger than appetizers.
There is one item called Omakase, which means chef’s choice, about seven courses of whatever the chef favors that day. I tried a white fish carpaccio to die for. And the bird nest shrimp tempura, light and amazing, presented by Chef “Cho” is not to be missed; nor are the scallops with asparagus.
“Cho” is from New York and is an artist. It shows in the food, each dish looking like a delicate painting.
Don’t say I didn’t tell you. Patti Payne’s column appears Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Call 425-453-4602, Fax 425-482-6800, Write Eastside Journal, P.O. Box 90130, Bellevue 98009-2251 or E-mail [email protected].