Finn & Porter Takes Sushi Happy Hour to New Heights

Known for its steak, seafood, and fine dining, Finn & Porter truly wows with their sushi happy hour. Located in the Hilton hotel downtown, Finn & Porter offers half-price items off their sushi happy hour menu. However, this isn’t your typical sushi happy hour. Flawless technique and creativity set this menu apart.

For instance, the sea dragon comes with tuna, macadamia nuts, and then gets topped off with shisho pesto and green apple. The green apple gives it an amazing crunch and texture. Sushi Chef Triet Huynh really knows his sushi, using traditional techniques with nontraditional ingredients. The result is an deliciously unique menu.

For more simple sushi items, the nigiri is amazingly fresh and flavorful with a nice selection of fish that includes hamachi, walu, and tombo. I had maguro for my first time, a Japanese big eye tuna. Yum!

Sushi might not be for everyone. Luckily, there are still several delicious options available on the menu. Executive Chef Ryan Gossett’s “direct farm-to-table” approach comes through solidly with his attention to freshness and locally-grown foods.  Try the crab cake. Thai seasoned jumbo lump crab meat served beside a jicama and red pepper slaw with a mango coulis… It’s hard to beat.

Happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 pm. Also, don’t forget to ask about Finn & Porter’s new champagne flight. It’s a fun way to try a variety of champagnes and decide which one is your favorite.

If you enjoy your sushi with a little sake, look no further than Finn & Porter’s list of premium sakes. If you’re like me, you might enjoy sake without knowing too much about it. However, Pearl from Finn & Porter is my new go-to on any questions about sake. Part of the excellent waitstaff team, Pearl explained several nuances on sake I had never known. Like fine wine, delicate conditions like the amount of sea salt in the air can temper the sake.

While not on the happy hour menu, try Chef Huynh’s take on east meets west in the lobsteryaki roll.  Saffron rice surrounds a vanilla butter poached lobster tail with cucumber and dried fig. Seared foie gras and truffle balsamic teriyaki crown the roll to give it a delightfully rich and buttery taste. This unique roll pairs well with sake or champagne.

The sweeping staircase, open space, and modern design elements of Finn & Porter make this a comfortable and lovely place to relax and get a bite to eat. The dining room includes two different nooks that have private and semi-private dining options. The parking is easily accessible with an entrance on Red River. For reservations, call (512) 493-4900.

Don’t miss out on these sushi masterpieces offered at happy-hour prices!

Posted by Lucy Kinney

Lucy Kinney has published 143 posts.

Lucy is a writer and publicist in Austin, Texas working in both the state and private sector. Lucy is a native to Austin and enjoys running on Town Lake, yoga, and exploring the hill country when she's not busy working. Lucy is married to local builder, Eden Kinney. She graduated from the University of Texas in 2010 with a B.S. in Public Relations and a Business Foundations Certificate. Her new travel blog can be found at http://lucysdistinctdestinations.wordpress.com/