For a modern take on classic dishes with the absolute freshest ingredients, visit Vineyard Haven’s Mikado Asian Bistro
by Diane Alter
Martha’s Vineyard has long been a creative habitat for innovative, imaginative and daring food thanks to its bounty of fresh from the sea fish and farm-fresh produce. Kevin Yu’s Vineyard Haven restaurant, Mikado Asian Bistro, extends this tradition with the twist of a fused Asian menu and people are hooked!
Located on Main Street, Mikado is relatively new to MV. But this Vineyard Haven addition is the restaurant’s third location. Mikado’s two other thriving establishments are in Connecticut.
As soon as you walk in Mikado’s doors you know you are somewhere special. The décor is contemporary, with subtle lighting and sleek wood tables. The bar is inviting with high stools and ample seating. A fish tank with lively and colorful fish gives off an air of calm. The dining room has a divider made of bubbling water that changes light and creates a unique mood. Authentic bamboo shades grace the windows.
The menu is a creative assembly of artistic Sushi, Chinese, Japanese and Fusion food that push well beyond the standard fare. Mikado has introduced the island to some tantalizing and adventurous dishes often prompting impromptu conversation with nearby patrons as you offer suggestions and ask about what they have ordered.
In explaining the work put into fusion fare, Kevin explained that Chinese food is generally prepared in a wok while Japanese food is prepared on a hibachi grill and then pan fried. Fusion food combines both methods. The results are dishes that are incredibly favorable and amazingly plated. In short, they are fearless and extraordinary.
“We recognized that the Vineyard needed my type of restaurant and we are excited to be here,” Kevin said.
Starters include Wonton, Egg Drop and Tom Yam soups, as well as a sensational Seafood Soup. In addition to a House Green Salad, salad offerings include Kani Salad, made with crab meat, and a Seared Tuna Salad. The Avocado Salad is a mix of greens in various hues, fanned avocado slices, thinly shaved seaweed, sesame seeds and a piquant dressing.
Customer favorite Fusion Appetizers include the Volcano Ball and the Tuna Pizza. The Volcano Ball is assembled with chopped tuna, salmon, yellowtail, mango, avocado, kani, seaweed, scallions and tobiko all rolled up with paper-thin tuna on top. A chef’s special sauce completes this creation. The Tuna Pizza uses lightly fried wonton skin as a base, with tuna and avocado as topping. A special sauce is carefully drizzled over it all.
Fusion entrees include General Tso’s Chicken or Shrimp; Black Pepper Steak; Kung Pao Chicken, Pork or Shrimp; and a Seafood Delight. The Sesame Shrimp is a generous portion of fresh shrimp in a sweet and sour sauce accompanied by vegetables and white rice.
A must-have entree is the expertly executed Sashimi. Before digging into this exotic dish, take time to appreciate its presentation and snap a social media photo. Served in modernly designed white bowl with shaved ice and a swan ice sculpture, fresh sushi and sashimi make up this signature dish.
Words and emotions are simple currencies. Inflate them, and like money, they lose value. But it is by no means a stretch to call Mikado a distinct place that will keep you coming back again and again.
MORE INFO
(508) 338-7096
76 Main Street
Vineyard Haven
