Sushi in Rome {Temakinho}

In what seems like a lifetime ago I ate at what at the time was a very hip restaurant called Sushi Samba in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan. I remember a long walk from my pals East Village apartment. I remember a very chic, very long, marble table that ran the length of the restaurant. I don't remember anything that we ate.

Fast forward to to present day. Last month and less than a 5 minute walk from my house, a bright cheerful Brazilian sushi spot, called Temakinho opened.

Samba music, friendly, multi-lingual service and a colorful dining room make this a terrific place for lunch or dinner (I have tried both) on a dismal winter day.

The cocktail list is all takes on Brazil's national drink the Caipirinha, all made with the key ingredient of cachaças. Cachaças is made from sugarcane and packs a powerful punch. I tried a mango version topped with cracked pink peppercorns which was a nice foil to the sweet fruit.

The sushi is an interesting hybrid of tastes you will recognize like the salmon, seaweed and wasabi and some you will not slices of mango, almonds and lime. They go togther deliciously.

I am no fan of asian deserts.  I find the gelatinous texture and strange colors off-putting.  Temakhino has nothing of the sort. A glass case at the entrance is filled with tall, icing slathered cakes and rich fruit topped cheesecakes.

This place has so many things that I love. All in one place and it's in the neighborhood. To paraphrase a good pal.  Sushi + Cocktails + Cake.  What could be better?

Temakinho

via dei Serpenti 16