Haru No Yume

When we first moved back to New Zealand one of Wil's major concerns was finding sushi that stacked up with the amazing sushi we had enjoyed in Canada.  We cornered everyone we met and asked their opinions: favourite sushi, favourite sashimi, favourite atmosphere.  Our neighbor, a chef originally from Malaysia and lover of all foods suggested we try a spot very close to home: Haru No Yume in Mt Eden Village. 

It's a tiny spot tucked between Indian restaurants that serve $10 curries and is relatively unassuming. When you step inside you're immediately welcomed by a chorus of waitstaff and sushi chefs alike and show to seat amongst the globes and fairy lights. They have set menus and main courses, donburis and sushi platters; we opted for a plate or two from each part of the menu: some fresh seafood, some hot and spicy, and decadent and creamy. 

First up Ebi no Wasabi: creamy shrimp with wasabi mayo, wasabi roe and lotus root which was creamy with a good kick from the wasabi but with its bitterness balanced by the creamy mellow and sweet roe. We fought over every last piece. 

For our rolls we chose salmon avocado and a rainbow roll, covered in a delicious array of different fresh fish. The fish was melt in your mouth tender, the avocado and mayo creamy, the roe crunchy with a burst of sweetness. It was a good rainbow roll. 

We chose the salmon and scallop fireball, a nice hit from the chilly but not too spicy. And last, but far from least the takoyaki.  These creamy, saucy octopus balls are a real treat for me now I really have to avoid squid. An allergy that is mostly easy to avoid, but still annoying as it is a food I love, it seems to get have a greater effect on me each time I unknowingly consume some and so I've had to avoid tentacled-items at all costs, except in Japanese restaurants when a clear difference between squid and octopus is respected. These were delicious specimens, topped with paper thin bonito flakes; Wil graciously let me have the last bite.

It was far from a cheap night out but we were both stuffed by meal's end and well satisfied. I think I spied desserts on another table but we were not shown a menu. Not to mind - Fraser's is just across the street and so we ducked out after a delicious Japanese dinner for some cake to take home for later. 

Haru No Yume is a great addition to Mt Eden Village and I'm sure we'll return!