I found my favorite restaurant in Houston!
For parking, they have valet but there's also a big lot behind the restaurant on the right hand side where you can park for free.
Right when you walk in, you see this cute duck plushie which I couldn’t help but hug it was so cute. And I loved how I was able to see it be incorporated in the cocktail I ordered (Lychee Martini). This was recommended to me after I asked the server what their sweetest cocktail was and I thoroughly enjoyed the drink.
After you check in with the front, you go through these curtains where the dining area is located. The interior is decorated nicely, giving the restaurant an intimate vibe. I don't think people talk about the bathroom enough because I was amazed. It was a fun experience walking through a bamboo alleyway before reaching the bathrooms located at the very end.
For dinner I got the normal omakase instead of the Houston Restaurant Week one as well as the Tanin Bune (Japanaese Sea Urchin w/Ikura) , Tarabagani (King Crab), and Foie Gras.
Everything that I had was fantastic. But the ones that stood out to me the most were the Kinoko Usuzukuri, all the nigiri (especially the Otoro) and the Foie Gras. The toppings on the Kinoko dish were crunchy yet balanced out with the softness from the mushroom itself. The flavors were refreshing which was a perfect way to start before I indulged on the nigiri's. I love how the toppings for the nigiri's were all slightly different yet complimented so well with the fish itself. The fish was fresh and the quality was fantastic. The otoro as you probably guessed is very rich and just melts in your mouth. Same thing for the Foie Gras- I still think about this dish from time to time from how good it was.
Aside from the delicious food, the service here was wonderful. Everyone was very attentive and looked for ways to make my dining experience enjoyable.
I am very happy that I finally got to try Aiko. I've been telling my friends about this spot all week and I cannot wait to visit again and try other dishes!