Opinions

AQUI

I’m going to be honest. Aqui never really crossed my mind as I had not heard much about it since it’s opening. Which is quite a shame, as I have ventured to all of Paul Qui’s restaurants and always had stellar experiences. I finally had the opportunity and found some time to check it out for myself. I had been watching Qui’s instagram and seen uni on the menu and decided that I needed it in my life.

The buildout is beautiful and has such a great vibe and presence on Westheimer (shout out to the server wearing a Fresh Prince button down). I cannot wait until it is not 104 outside and can enjoy dinner al fresco on their patio.

I love a restaurant where I can order so many plates, and this just happens to be one of them. I cannot tell you the last time I ordered an “entree”. I would rather nibble and experience different flavors.

Aqui also happens to have a pretty solid gluten free menu, so you don’t feel as if you are missing out while everyone else is getting to enjoy a lovely meal.

Since I am part Filipino, I obviously needed the Filipino ceviche. I also am always looking for the best ceviches, and I would definitely recommend this one. I was a little skeptical of a creamy sauce with my ceviche, but this one really balanced out with the fish, cilantro and spices.

Next was the tuna tataki. Yet another “ceviche” type dish served with plantain and avocado. Great flavors, and I’m a sucker for plantains in any form.

I am usually not a pork belly fan, but this one came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. I don’t even know how they got the skin so crispy, but they are doing something right. Honestly, the dipping sauce could haven been our favorite. A little sweet, a little spicy, a little just right. I’m pretty sure I even dipped my plantain chips into it.

The uni was honestly amazing. A nice bed of soft scrambled eggs with some fresh uni, pickled onions and wasabi. It was served with a roll for you to layer everything on, but I was perfectly content just using a fork. Such a beautiful presentation.

 

Not pictured were the grilled greens. I was hopeful that they would be similar to the grilled romaines that Qui had on his menu at his East Side King trailer (years ago), but they were not. They were good, but not the highlight of my dinner.

Ultimately, I will be back sooner rather than later and can’t wait to see what new dishes they will be making at AQUI.