On Friday, Will and I hit up the new Umi Nom on DeKalb just past Classon.
I like that they’ve retained the old laundry sign and added their logo.
Will asked beforehand if I had made reservations, and I said, “Reservations in the neighborhood? Nawww.” Heh. Umi Nom does indeed take reservations and when we arrived, there was already a 15-20 minute wait for a table inside the narrow restaurant space. Not a big deal, but not something I’m used to facing locally!
Umi Nom doesn’t have a liquor license for now, so it’s BYOB. (Also, like many new restaurants, it’s also cash only. I’ve become accustomed to this, but it’s still annoying.)
Will ran out to buy some wine, and we chilled out at the small bar in front waiting for our table.
We ended up being seated at the front window.
The menu is small plates, varied in price. The waiter (who, by the way, was by far the friendliest waiter I have ever encountered in the neighborhood) recommended two plates per person, which range from around $5 to $13 (with one whole fish dish topping out at $21). We decided on the spring rolls, the jalapeno lollipop wings, pad see ew, and the asian greens.
As a starter, the waiter brought us two complimentary fried crab won tons, which were delicious!
The spring rolls were giant, and came with a sweet / spicy sauce (spicier than the usual orange thai sauce). The veggies were delicious, slathered in garlic and salt and some other seasonings we couldn’t place. The wings, though, were a bit bland. They were covered in jalapeno slices and a deep fried coating, but didn’t come with any sauce. We ended up dipping them in the spring roll sauce.
For dessert, we went with the chocolate chili cake. It was a little twist on the ubiquitous molten chocolate cake, with a little bit of chili spice and a fruity topping.
Before tip, the meal totaled about $48.
Pros: Excellent service, nice variety on menu, BYO (for now)
Cons: On the expensive side, cash only (for now)
Umi Nom is located across from the projects and adjacent to fast food takeout with bulletproof glass. Yet the place was packed. We definitely felt like we were in the midst of an intriguing sociological crossroads. (Sputnik and Rustik are both close by.)
Umi Nom
433 DeKalb Ave at Classon
718-789-8806
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9 Comments
Thanks for the nice, informative review lesterhead ! I especally liked the pics. I rounded out your review by also reading gothamist.com review which gave the entire menue w/prices. Good luck & wishes to the place BUT I personally will stick with Kum Kow since Umi Nom has greens for $9.00 and Spring rolls for $8.00(Remember the review said these are small plates.) ! Wow. You can imagine the price of the bill after they get Wine. Here is an interesting story link to the owner King Phojanakong…
http://www.ediblecommunities.com/manhattan/january-february-2009/street-smart.htm
“sociological crossroads”?
is that the new PC term for gentrification? jeez. folks ain’t even trying to cover their tracks any more.
“sociological crossroads”?
That’s awesome.
Went there late last Saturday night and had a fantastic meal. I think the price is on par with NYC prices so no complaints here. Will definitely be back again!
I had dinner at Umi Nom Monday. 2 of us shared 3 things off the small plates menu and shrimp pad thai. We left fully satisfied with food still on our plates. I’d much prefer small plates of quality food to large portions leaving me feeling bloated. The chef came to our table and asked how our dinner was. I’m happy to see them open and will return.
You really can’t compare Kum Kow to this place. It’s not Americanized, overly-sweet Chinese AT ALL.
I went last week and they said they will be getting their liquor license as well as their credit card machines soon- no specific dates- just “soon”.
I had an enjoyable and transporting meal there recently. I felt no pain spending a little money in the neighborhood, especially in light of the fact that they chose our neighborhood to plop this little gem. Everything is so tastefully chosen — from the uniforms to the staff to the dishware. The room is really pretty by the way. For the first time ever, I felt truly welcome in a neighborhood establishment.
I just ate there for the first time last night with some visitors from out of town. Our party of four split several small plates and we were all shocked when the bill totaled less than $70 for the entire meal! Still BYOB, but they do take cards now. The waiter and the chef, who introduced himself, were very friendly. Definitely will be making return trips here.
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