Sample superb veggie, shrimp tempura and teriyaki at Temari
By ADRIENNE FRANK
Get Out

Wait: We arrived at 6 p.m. on a Wednesday and were seated right away.

Service: We were helped by two different women, both of whom were attentive and gracious. When one of our servers accidentally spilled the bowl of gyoza sauce from our appetizer all over our table, she apologized profusely and covered the soiled spot with a cloth napkin. (She wanted to replace our table cloth, but it really wasn’t a big deal.)

What we liked: We enjoyed our appetizer, spinach gyoza — veggies in a doughy, spinach wrapper (similar, in consistency, to pirogies) — that was pan-fried than steamed. We also liked our entrées — teriyaki salmon and shrimp and veggie tempura — both of which were served with delicious miso soup, white rice and a crisp green salad with a slightly sweet house dressing. We also appreciated Temari’s twist on the traditional fortune cookie, which was served atop a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream, which we ate with the most adorable little spoons.

Scene: Temari’s owners have made the best of a long, skinny space. A few tables run down one side of the restaurant, while a small bar area and sushi bar run down the other. The result is a cozy dining area, with Japanese prints and colorful teapots providing festive touches.

Bathroom break: Clean and well- stocked, the women's single unit features an Asian screen, chair (so ladies don’t have to put their purses on the floor) and framed art.

Tab for two: $32 with tax and tip for spinach gyoza ($3.50), teriyaki salmon ($11.95), assorted tempura ($10.95) and an iced tea ($1.50). From 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Temari offers “ladies night,” so we received a 10 percent discount on our bill. If work weren’t buying: Great service, delicious food and a festive ambience — Gilbert’s got a keeper in the terrific Temari.

By CRYSTAL PETROCELLI
Get Out

Wait: We arrived at 9:30 p.m. on a Friday and were seated immediately.

Service: Our server made us feel comfortable while we asked for descriptions of various sushi and sashimi (sliced raw fish). It's something I'm usually hesitant to do, but I'm thrilled when the staff is willing to tell me what's in a sunshine or godzilla roll. Our server also managed to talk two raw-stuff-scares-us diners into braving the sea bass roll — a large, thin slice of light-pink fish on rice.

What we liked: The sea bass roll lived up to our server’s everybody- loves-it pitch. Thankfully, there wasn't a hint of fishy flavor and, despite its odd appearance, biting into it didn't gross out my tongue or teeth. Surprisingly, we enjoyed the sea bass more than some of the non-raw rolls we sampled. We were also pleased with the melt-in-your- mouth gyoza appetizer that had no sign of ever spending time in a freezer. If you like grilled onions, the yellow and green onion yakitori skewers are delicious.

Scene: The small, narrow restaurant was nearly full with 20 diners, several of whom were sitting at the seven-seat sushi bar. A glass case displaying temari (ornate, colorful Japanese thread balls), tea pots and sake bottles lines one entire wall and adds a dose of authenticity to the space.

Bathroom break: Clean, private units with subtle Japanese touches.

Tab for two: $55 with tax and tip for gyoza ($3.50), six yakitori skewers ($9), spicy tuna roll special ($5.25), sea bass roll ($4.50), Las Vegas roll ($7.50), lobster tempura roll ($8.50) and two green-tea ice creams ($2.75 each).

If work weren’t buying: If you're a Gilbert resident and you dig sushi, there's no reason not to try Temari.

Japanese food gem
Sample superb veggie, shrimp tempura and teriyaki at Temari
Kind servers help sushi-shy patrons find their favorite fish
Temari Fine Japanese Cuisine
919 N. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert

Major cross streets: Val Vista Drive and Guadalupe Road
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Tue.-Thu. and Sun.; 5 to 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tue.-Fri.
Entrees: $4.75-$19.95
Reservations accepted: Yes
Health report: No major violations on April 1
Kid-friendly? Yes