Fultummy's 10-26-2010

Location: 221 Columbia St.

Feelings: After we both completely forgot our wedding anniversary, we celebrated it with rice burger take out five days later. The reason it is called rice burger is from the bun, which is made of -- well, rice and sometimes mixed with barley. Instead of mayo, oil or dressing, there is seaweed. This also prevents the rice from falling apart while keeping the fillings tightly inside. I grew up enjoying Kinpira Rice Burger from MOS Burger in Japan, so this was quite a treat for me.

My Kinpira Brown Rice Burger ($6.75, soy sauce sauteed shredded burdock and carrots, a sheet of dry seaweed, and lotus root chips on soy glazed sesame brown rice buns) was even better than how I remembered. I expected a Japanese place to serve small portions, but this was quite filling. The kinpira was subtly spicy, and the crunchy texture contrasted the soft texture of rice buns. I am sure that not only all the vegans out there but also carnivores would really enjoy this interesting mix of savory flavors.

My Tofu Salad ($7, red leaf lettuce, watercress, arugula, red turnip, crushed tofu, and bonito flakes with garlic sesame fultummy’s dressing) was also fresh with full of flavors and textures, and it is one of the best salad I have had this year. Who knew bonito flakes would go so perfectly in a salad! I would highly recommend trying this at home.

I thought RB would order their Pork Katsu Sandwich, but he ordered Teriyaki Tofu Sandwich ($6.50, homemade teriyaki sauce glazed fried tofu, lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced avocado on toasted ciabatta bread) instead. The sandwich had a nice flavor but unfortunately lacked a necessary crunch. He was sadly left with tasty bread with soggy fillings. Hopefully he will order katsu next time.

Especially after CK's arrival, it is nice to see a quality Japanese kid friendly sandwich shop accessible in our neighborhood. I can't wait for him to try all the food I grew up eating in Japan. As much as I would like Fultummy's to be our little hidden gem, it is time people find this amazing eatery.