08/19/17
Sake Marinated Wild Sea Bass at Upstream in Charlotte, NC. This terrific dish is Upstream's signature item. It has an Asian flair to it, as it's marinated in sake and comes with bok choy, shitake mushrooms, and lobster dumplings. It's then laid on top of a shiso mirin broth (mirin is a sweet Japanese cooking wine). I love that the sea bass has a nice crispy char to it on the outside (presumably from being broiled) but is super moist on the inside. The dumpling skin was nice and firm without being chewy. The accompaniments and flavors work well together and the chef does a good job of not letting one aspect of the dish overpower the main event (the sea bass). Upstream is primarily a seafood restaurant but it has something for everyone, including steak and sushi. Nice ambiance with a good size bar area and private dining as well. Open until 11 pm on weekends.