Located in the food court next to the carousel, Koto/Destiny was my destination on a weekday night with friends Ed and Merry. While a birthday party was enjoying the hibachi table, we settled into a regular table and set out to try some of the new items that had recently been added to the menu. Well, actually we tried just about all of them; what fun! In the beverage section, Koto is now offering flights of Japanese beer or sake; three tastes each. We opened with the Mussel Moto Yaki; 6 mussels topped with a spicy aioli and accented with roe. The dish held just the right amount of complexity. Next were the Dinosaur Eggs; five fried oysters surrounded by a sweet chili sauce contrasted with a hot wasabi sauce. Speaking of sauces, catering manager Carmen Chan told us that sauce is what sets Koto apart from the other hibachi restaurants in our area, particularly their seafood and ginger sauces that are served with the hibachi meals.
KOTO – Saki & Japanese Beer Flights. Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
Three new rolls have been added to the Destiny menu (the menu at the Erie Blvd. location is not identical). If you are not a fan of nori (the seaweed wrapping paper) you should check out the 10 piece Ichi Roll-shrimp tempura, crab, white radish and lettuce wrapped in soy bean paper and topped with shrimp, avocado, scallions and a spicy mayo. Do not miss the Mohawk Roll as it was a huge hit with the three of us-peppered tuna, radish sprouts and cucumber topped with lobster salad and a spicy mayo. Merry had never tried a sushi roll before, but she took the adventure to heart and it appears we created a convert.
KOTO – Mohawk Roll. Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
Dinner came with our choice of soup or salad and we had to go with the salad and Koto’s famous homemade ginger dressing. This was a pink and creamy dressing with a subtle ginger taste and, according to Carmen, Koto sells this dressing by the pint to “tons” of appreciative customers every week.
The main dish categories included a fusion menu (some steaks and fish), teriyaki, tempura, rice and noodle selections along with the hibachi table option. New entrees included some Thai entrees. My seafood curry dish was spicy and the Thai Basil vegetable dish, a favorite of our server Jessi Cottrill, shined with fresh Thai basil flavor.
Check out the times below for Happy Hour and Snack Hour; the menu selections are extensive and along with the drink prices, just might be the best deal in town.
Koto, Destiny
9331 Destiny USA Dr.
Syracuse, NY, 13204
315.479.KOTO (5686)
Lunch:
Mon-Sat: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dinner:
Mon-Thurs: 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 3:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Sun: 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Happy Hour:
Sun-Thurs: 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. (front bar area)
Snack Hour:
Sun-Thurs: 08:00 to 9:30 p.m.
KOTO – Ichi Roll. Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
Favorite: Although this is a tough call, on this visit I am going to have to go with the Mussels Moto Yaki. The presentation was beautiful, the sauce was luscious, and the entire dish very different. Next time I will try the Lobster Moto Yaki.
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