Arario Midtown -- Reno, NV (Korean cuisine)

For an approachable and flavorful Korean option, this was a fun experience. Located at 777 S Center Street, Suite 200, one will need to go up a short flight of stairs to reach the front door. I wasn't sure what to expect, as Reno has been slowly getting more restaurants offering a diverse array of cuisines, but I approached with curiosity. 

The word "fusion" can hit a nerve for some people, but this establishment owns the term and is not shy about exploring the combination of American, Korean and other international flavors. I entered with an open mind and was both surprised and delighted by the interesting tastes and textures, as well as the very friendly and pleasant service. 


https://www.arariomidtown.com/


Here are some of the things I've enjoyed.




Spring Roll. This was a good version of this deep-fried delight. It was vegan, but a meat eater would not notice given the crunchy shell, the sweet chili-garlic dipping sauce, and the savory flavor of the veggie filling. 

Shrimp Tempura. I am a fan of the wet batter, followed with some dry crumbs, then deep fried. This creates an armor of crunch around each shrimp, which I enjoyed. The Sriracha aioli was not very spicy, and the teriyaki sauce had that wonderful mix of sweet and savory. A very tasty appetizer. 

Chicken Wings. Of the two sauce options, I chose the sweet and spicy "K" sauce (the other option was garlic soy). I personally prefer a lighter coating of sauce, but the flavor was full of umami, a bit of sweetness and a bit of tang. The gluten-free batter kept its crispness, even with the heavy dousing of sauce and the chicken was moist and juicy. I will probably just ask for sauce on the side for the next time.  

Banchan. This was a soft introduction to Korean side dishes. The cabbage kimchi (top) and daikon kimchi (bottom) were my favorites, with the familiar chili, garlic and aromatic tang. The black beans (middle right) served in this manner was not something I'm used to, but the flavor was very savory and familiar. The mac salad was a simple version, which my partner enjoyed. All in all, it was still fun to sample.

Grilled Octopus Salad. I was amazed at the size of the two large pieces of octopus leg. I would have personally preferred the octopus to have been cooked either a bit less or a bit more, but it was still enjoyable. The combination of flavors from the parmesan cheese, chimichurri, and balsamic glaze was different, unexpected, and surprisingly tasty. The mixed greens, long beans, sweet corn, purple cabbage and tomato added a nice mix of textures and freshness.

Beef Short Rib Galbi. This was the thinly sliced version of bone-in short rib, which is one of my favorite cuts. These were marinated in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, then nicely grilled. They were meaty, succulent, perfectly seasoned, had a bit of satisfying chew, and really hit the spot. The American-style presentation with crispy, roasted potatoes and green beans was novel. The fried whole chili peppers were an enjoyable touch, and all of this created a very hearty meal.   

I look forward to trying other creative options for my next visit. I will also temper my appetite, given the large portions and (maybe) order fewer items.