New Asian raw bar now open in Ballantyne - PHOTOS
The small restaurant packs big flavor
Wilson | May 24, 2021
Ballantyne got a new sake and raw sushi bar over the weekend. Prime Fish is owned and led by Chef Robin Anthony, who previously worked as head sushi chef at YAMA Waverly and Red Sake.
The restaurant can seat up to 20 guests inside, offering an intimate dining experience. Anthony said he opened the restaurant with the mission of introducing an elevated level of sushi to the Charlotte area.
The menu is traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) with a bit of French and Spanish influence. Guests can order nigiri, sashimi, and sushi. Special rolls range from $14 to $33. The menu also features a “Chef Choice” that will serve eight pieces of nigiri for $25 or 16 pieces of sashimi for $35. (We highly recommend!).
“We specialize in nigiri and sashimi and follow the traditional method,” said Anthony. The traditional method is the technique of how the fish is cut to preserve the flavor profile as well as to be the correct size. Anthony explained that nigiri is properly served when it fits perfectly in your mouth in one bite.
All nigiri is brushed with a special soy sauce and served with a condiment. Anthony and his sous-chef Kyle Robin, create their own special blend of soy sauce and wasabi.
Sushi tips from Chef Anthony:
Anthony shared some tips for those who are new to eating raw fish. “The easy way to start is spicy tuna or spicy salmon,” he said. “From there we can go further slowly.” He explained that starting with raw fish in a roll is an easy way to work your way up to trying sashimi.
Sake:
Anthony, a Certified Sake Advisor, is an expert on sushi and sake pairings. He received his certification in Japan and says that sake enhances the fish’s flavor profile. Currently, the restaurant is awaiting its alcohol permit but plans to stock between 50 to 70 different varieties of sake.
Tapas:
In addition to sushi, the menu features a variety of tapas including truffle edamame, crispy shumai, beef carpaccio, Hamachi pesto, black truffle salmon, and more. Tapas range from $7 to $20.
Find Prime Fish in Ballantyne Town Center, which is located at the corner of U.S. 521 and Providence Road West. Prime Fish is closed on Tuesdays. Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are available at the sushi bar only.
Prime Fish
11212 Providence Road West, Unit B
980-339-5822
primefishclt.com
