An omakase birthday treat
I am one of those people that think birthday is not a big deal. I don’t make a big hoo-ha out of my own birthday, and usually spend ME-day with that few special people. God forbid “mass” celebration with any Tom, Dick and Harry and I also dread mass birthday wishes thanks but no thanks to Facebook Birthday reminder. if you don’t “celebrate” me 364 days out of that 365 days – please don’t bother on that one day that marks the day I was born.
I still think that birthday is just another day. But, 2020 is a year unlike others. Stranded abroad, not able to fly home for 10 months now (and still counting). I miss not only my family, but also many of my closed friends. So, I sort of “acting up” a bit, and have asked for an omakase birthday splurge. The man obliged, god bless him : )
Why omakase? Well, I am a sucker for anything that’s personalized, or of an experience-based. Omakase is entirely up to the sushi master, leaving it to him/her to prepare and decide on a menu using the freshest ingredients of the day, in the best way. Definitely not for the picky eater. In a local Thai-context, I think that it might be a challenge for some Thai people, given their tendency of customizing their food of a little bit more of this and that, not this and that, etc, etc. They just have to take the plunge and trust the expert.
Intimate setting with only 9 seats per round 
Our seats right in front of one of the two sushi chefs
“MINI ME by FILLETS” was my choice – their intimate setting of 9 counter-seats with kitchen view won me over. 2,500 baht ++ (2,942.50 nett) per pax for 13-courses omakase lunch is reasonably affordable. We booked our seats 2 weeks prior. A deposit of 50% is required upfront to confirm reservation; we transferred 2,500 deposit upfront and paid the remaining 3,385 baht at the restaurant.
I didn’t manage to take down the name of all the courses, so let’s the picture tell the story. We enjoyed all dishes – my favorite includes the uni, mini chirashi don, maguro, tamago sponge cake. The toro taku (tuna roll) was a surprise – and I no longer look at Japanese sushi roll the same way post this experience.
Fresh crisp nori sheet – eat now, we were told! 
Really fresh ingredients .. even the nori sheets were fresh We were also told to consume fast before the nori sheets lose their crispiness!
If you’re not into raw fish, aburi (flame-seared) is possible. Also we found out that it’s possible to go for 3,500++ course for lunch, and you’ll get higher-grade ingredients such as ebi and uni.
I really enjoyed listening to the chef explaining the dish (in Thai, of course) and watching them in actions. I also picked up some tips on rice and roll shaping, and using yuzu to bring miso soup to the next level. And we even got a crash course on the Japanese kitchen knife! Definitely recommended if you’re into experience.
MINI ME by FILLETS is housed inside 100 Mahaseth restaurant. Walk in to the restaurant, and staff will lead you up to first floor for Mini Me by Fillets. Same owner, we were told. After looking it up, indeed 100 Mahaseth is owned by Chefs Randy Noprapa and Chalee Kader. Chef Randy is the main chef of Mini Me by Fillets, and expect to pay 5,500 baht++ for Chef Randy’s menu available only for dinner (7pm onwards).
Omakase faux pas from my virgin-meal – ask before taking photo of the chef! I only read about it after the meal, sorry – a rookie mistake. Although this is not a must, but interaction with the chef does bring omakase experience to another level. I was seated next to two girls, talking to each other throughout the meal and one even had her back to me the whole time. It’s a Japanese restaurant, and omakase is said to be an ultimate experience in Japanese fine dining. Japanese culture as a whole has little tolerant of disrespect for others …. stay home, or to go a regular sushi restaurant if you like. Travel is said to increase cultural understanding – does it, or does it not?
MINI ME by FILLETS
102 Mahaseth Road Sipraya Bangrak
LINE Official : @Fillets (with@) or Call : 092-879-6882
LUNCH 11:30 – 12:45 | 13:00 – 13:45 – 2500++ (13 Courses)
DINNER 17:30 – 19:00 3500++ (15 Courses), 19.00 – Late 5500++ Chef’s Randy (16-18 Course)
[ TUESDAY – SUNDAY ] **MONDAY CLOSED **
