For every mood, mindset, and budget, there's a sushi place.
From budget-friendly finds like Banzai (on the West Coast) to semi-annual splurge spots like JaBistro, there is bound to be at least one in the five-kilometre radius fitting of your requirements. (This shall always hold true in urban and suburban communities, unless, of course, you're not fond of raw fish to begin with.)
From budget-friendly finds like Banzai (on the West Coast) to semi-annual splurge spots like JaBistro, there is bound to be at least one in the five-kilometre radius fitting of your requirements. (This shall always hold true in urban and suburban communities, unless, of course, you're not fond of raw fish to begin with.)
The newest venture of the Aburi family, led by none other than the team behind Miku, officially landed in Yorkdale not too long ago. First sighted in late August, the two-story eatery officially commenced operations last month. Alongside their classic selection of torched oshizushi, TORA aimed to introduce EdoPrime nigiri while incorporating a tablet-style ordering system and small-scale monorail delivery.
Positioned near the top of my North York to-go list was TORA, together with more economic Yonge/Finch finds such as Sang-Ji Fried Bao (they were closed during my last attempt) and Eat BKK. The three restaurants were proposed to my dining partner, and the new sushi destination triumphed over all.
Positioned near the top of my North York to-go list was TORA, together with more economic Yonge/Finch finds such as Sang-Ji Fried Bao (they were closed during my last attempt) and Eat BKK. The three restaurants were proposed to my dining partner, and the new sushi destination triumphed over all.
Complying to a first come, first serve basis, it was in our best interest to arrive early - aka at the opening time of 11:30 AM. I pulled into the parking lot on the Dufferin St. entrance, then swiftly made my way past RH Courtyard towards the entrance. The host greeted me immediately, whilst assuring my anxious demeanour that there was no wait at this early hour.
An "Escort Bill" stating the check-in time and party size was printed on the spot. From this point, I was gestured towards a dimly lit corridor which led to a series of elevators, one of which for patron use. TORA's dining area was located on the second floor; it encompassed a large quantity of booth seating in an ambient setting as well as a few stool-equipped tables by the window. Before the booths were two levels of monorail tracks, aimed to transport orders directly from the kitchen once ready. Those that opted for a view of the outside world would be exempt from the monorail experience, though had the advantage of dining in a well-illuminated environment.
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I took note of my surroundings while my dining partner was mid-transport. Situated on the table were a drink menu, soy sauce bottle, several soy sauce dishes, condiment cases, and, of course, the ordering tablet. Unlike Miku, there was only one form of soy sauce; Tamari and Shoyu had been replaced with the all-too-familiar commercial-grade dipping sauce. Wasabi and ginger were found in packets, instead of being freshly ground or obtained from the kitchen. Both were of mediocre quality: the pungent horseradish was nowhere as powerful as it should have been, while the yellow ginger scraps were sweet upon first bite but fiery after a few chews. Another interesting element to note was the contrast of thick, monogrammed napkins versus disposable wooden chopsticks. Navy or deep indigo would have suited the overall palette of the decor much better.
With that said, I will admit that I enjoyed having wet napkins within reach. Also appreciated was the grime-free (read: devoid of fingerprints) status of the ordering tablet. Too common is it that the serving staff neglect hygiene levels of such devices.
With that said, I will admit that I enjoyed having wet napkins within reach. Also appreciated was the grime-free (read: devoid of fingerprints) status of the ordering tablet. Too common is it that the serving staff neglect hygiene levels of such devices.
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On that note, I would like to commend the waitstaff during my visit. Despite hovering about for over twenty minutes while waiting, I was not rushed to make an order. Hot water was served (and refilled!), inquiries were answered, and recommendations were given. Several members of the team had served the table; all were extremely amiable, but one in particular was especially so - Hi Linda!!
View the full album HERE !
View the full album HERE !
Our orders included picks from the Aburi and Nigiri categories, in addition to the exclusive EdoPrime menu.
A yearning for Digby scallops prompted an order of Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri. The plump morsels featured a cross-sectional incision, enhancing its texture visually. Adroit knifework aside, the duo was tasty (albeit a bit bland) and devoid of any unwanted seaside odours. I must profess: locally harvested Digby varieties takes the crown over its imported counterparts.
We each took to an order of Edoprime Tuna Nigiri Selection. The three-piece set included maguro, chu-toro, and o-toro; in simpler terms, it comprised of tuna sashimi of varying fat contents - maguro being the leanest and o-toro the heaviest. The "chu" in chu-toro means "middle", signifying its intermediate rank between maguro and o-toro. Admittedly, there wasn't much flavour to the maguro, except for its light brushing of dashi soy. It was a relatively thin slice that allowed for penetration of seasonings. My eyes may have been playing games on me, but I could faintly perceive the dreaded dark ring observed at Inatei.
It came as a shock to me that the proteins of the chu-toro had begun to disintegrate, and even more so that an upscale restaurant did not hesitate to serve it as is. In spite of this, the chu-toro was probably my favourite of the three. Comprising of uniformly intertwined layers of fat and flesh, the segments essentially dissolved upon contact.
At an approximate fat-to-flesh ratio of 7:3, O-Toro was found to be satiating and therefore a little less appealing to me. Its thickness demanded a larger portion of shari to compensate.
It came as a shock to me that the proteins of the chu-toro had begun to disintegrate, and even more so that an upscale restaurant did not hesitate to serve it as is. In spite of this, the chu-toro was probably my favourite of the three. Comprising of uniformly intertwined layers of fat and flesh, the segments essentially dissolved upon contact.
At an approximate fat-to-flesh ratio of 7:3, O-Toro was found to be satiating and therefore a little less appealing to me. Its thickness demanded a larger portion of shari to compensate.
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The Aburi Tora Roll was a more compact version of the Miku Roll with spicy tobiko. Besides this addition, there is little to comment otherwise.
Both the Aburi Albacore Tuna Oshi and Aburi Scallop Oshi were positively luscious and flavourful. The asparagus buds embedded within the beige-tinged shari in the Albacore Tuna was a peculiar addition, though contributed an interesting crunch; the pickled radish was a nice complement to the creamy, seared surface. Present in the Scallop version was a small piece of shiso, which worked wonders in heightening the creation's flavour profile.
Both the Aburi Albacore Tuna Oshi and Aburi Scallop Oshi were positively luscious and flavourful. The asparagus buds embedded within the beige-tinged shari in the Albacore Tuna was a peculiar addition, though contributed an interesting crunch; the pickled radish was a nice complement to the creamy, seared surface. Present in the Scallop version was a small piece of shiso, which worked wonders in heightening the creation's flavour profile.
Negi-Toro Gunkan was requested on the basis of comparison to JaBistro's maki and temaki. The scallions were fresh with minimal acidity. On the other hand, the toro wasn't as buttery as anticipated. Moreover, there were a few stray pieces that had escaped the chopping process.
A rarity on any menu, the Kinmedai Edoprime Nigiri piqued our interest strongly. At $9.50 for two pieces, the dish was unmistakably lavish. Vibrant and shiny in appearance, we dove in with great expectations, only to be underwhelmed by its blandness. Dunking the nigiri into a wasabi-soy sauce mixture rendered it passable. The sole redeeming aspect was its scored and slightly torched surface.
A rarity on any menu, the Kinmedai Edoprime Nigiri piqued our interest strongly. At $9.50 for two pieces, the dish was unmistakably lavish. Vibrant and shiny in appearance, we dove in with great expectations, only to be underwhelmed by its blandness. Dunking the nigiri into a wasabi-soy sauce mixture rendered it passable. The sole redeeming aspect was its scored and slightly torched surface.
Washroom stalls were located in a short (and again, dim) hallway behind the wine storage area. One handicap stall and a few individual unisex stalls were found here. Each sliver of a stall had been arranged Spoon and Fork-style, with a sink and mirror positioned near the entrance. The bathrooms weren't as grand as Miku - this was for certain - but I would have appreciated a functioning hand dryer and a faucet that was not angled towards the wall. Most importantly though, the stall had been decently maintained.
Speaking conclusively, TORA provides a cozy getaway for those craving sushi, allowing one to order and consume dishes at one's desired speed (and budget). The expansive selection of offerings enables connoisseurs of the cuisine to indulge in aburi items without the hassle of going downtown to Miku and try the exclusive EdoPrime series. Those less familiar with the miscellaneous styles of Japanese dining can adhere to timeless choices of California Rolls and Salmon Maki, but at a steeper rate. Feasting via small plates causes costs to add up quickly, so I would caution ordering only the items that are unique to the establishment.
My own appetite is one that requires little sustenance to survive, thus ordering by plate is not a huge issue for me. Be mindful that the prices being charged match the quality being produced, and that TORA has the capacity to cater to a pickier crowd. Bring a full wallet with the intention to splurge - and tip! (because service is stellar).
My own appetite is one that requires little sustenance to survive, thus ordering by plate is not a huge issue for me. Be mindful that the prices being charged match the quality being produced, and that TORA has the capacity to cater to a pickier crowd. Bring a full wallet with the intention to splurge - and tip! (because service is stellar).
My dining partner continued to peruse the mall afterwards, though I had a strict itinerary in place.
(Look at the adorable UNIQLO x LINE collab!!)
(Look at the adorable UNIQLO x LINE collab!!)
We parted ways, and I continued eastbound.
The status of North York's side streets were disastrous. They hadn't been plowed at all, meaning that soiled, slushy bits filled most of the area, with the exception of sidewalks. But, then again, having only undergone partial snow removal and partial de-icing, the concrete blocks had just been maintained to the bare minimum.
At first, I had contemplated venturing to CoCo to take advantage of their four-day Chinese New Year promotion. Alas, its location on Finch was heavily troublesome to visit due to its lack of (complimentary) parking. And considering that I had been wanting to check out Hey Sugar for some time now, I did just that.
The status of North York's side streets were disastrous. They hadn't been plowed at all, meaning that soiled, slushy bits filled most of the area, with the exception of sidewalks. But, then again, having only undergone partial snow removal and partial de-icing, the concrete blocks had just been maintained to the bare minimum.
At first, I had contemplated venturing to CoCo to take advantage of their four-day Chinese New Year promotion. Alas, its location on Finch was heavily troublesome to visit due to its lack of (complimentary) parking. And considering that I had been wanting to check out Hey Sugar for some time now, I did just that.
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Replacing the former Capriccio-turned-The-Face-Shop spot, the bubble tea joint advocated itself as a "healthier" option with purple rice beverages and tapioca free of synthetic pigments. Known as Golden Tapioca, it supposedly included brown sugar in its creation while omitting the dark dyes of the standard black pearls.
< Pictured above and below: Golden Tapioca and Taro Ball Milk Tea, Black Sesame Milk Tea w/ Taro Balls and Purple Rice >
Visiting on a weekday afternoon, the interior was completely empty. A duo of mom friends entered the premises after me, but it was otherwise quiet. Operating the entire establishment was a single member of staff; she was pleasant and had no issues with tending to my inquiries in a patient manner. Moreover, I appreciated that she requested clarification on ice and sugar levels, for many shops tend to advance with incomplete orders out of sheer laziness. She also provided me with awareness on their loyalty program, which would supposedly earn me 5% off each successive purchase and a free drink for every eight purchased.
Visiting on a weekday afternoon, the interior was completely empty. A duo of mom friends entered the premises after me, but it was otherwise quiet. Operating the entire establishment was a single member of staff; she was pleasant and had no issues with tending to my inquiries in a patient manner. Moreover, I appreciated that she requested clarification on ice and sugar levels, for many shops tend to advance with incomplete orders out of sheer laziness. She also provided me with awareness on their loyalty program, which would supposedly earn me 5% off each successive purchase and a free drink for every eight purchased.
Their signature milk tea was admittedly quite watery, while a generous handful of ice had still been dumped in on the request of "less ice". That said, I was quite impressed with the Golden Tapioca and Taro Balls. Despite not being clearly distinguishable in consistency, the texture was noteworthy. They were firmer and chewier than your average tapioca, with only a slight tinge of sweetness - something I could picture myself munching on alongside a grass jelly dessert. Taro Balls are generally starchy in taste, yet Hey Sugar's rendition (surprisingly) did not conform to the stereotype.
The Black Sesame Milk Tea with Taro Balls and Purple Rice was the better beverage overall. Bits of gritty black sesame floated on the surface, while denser particles and heavier rice grains sank to the bottom. This concoction was creamier and a tad more sugary than the Milk Tea, but fittingly so. Again, chewiness was contributed via Taro Balls and Purple Rice.
The Black Sesame Milk Tea with Taro Balls and Purple Rice was the better beverage overall. Bits of gritty black sesame floated on the surface, while denser particles and heavier rice grains sank to the bottom. This concoction was creamier and a tad more sugary than the Milk Tea, but fittingly so. Again, chewiness was contributed via Taro Balls and Purple Rice.
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At the pricier end of the spectrum, the most economic regular-sized beverage rings in $5.20, while large drinks range from $5.70 to $6.50 before tax. Without a doubt, these small cups are outright extravagant.
I shall not be hesitating to revisit Hey Sugar for takeout drinks on the basis of their exceptional tapioca, however one ought to be mindful of the less stellar aspects of the shop. The interior is appealing upon first glance, though closer inspection will reveal plenty of dust particles (a common result of neglecting overall hygiene) and the true tawdriness of the clear, circular plastic decorative elements found throughout. Most striking was the single bathroom stall, which featured foul remnants on the inside of the toilet bowl, construction-level grime, and a malfunctioning sink. Skip this establishment should a washroom be of high priority to you.
I shall not be hesitating to revisit Hey Sugar for takeout drinks on the basis of their exceptional tapioca, however one ought to be mindful of the less stellar aspects of the shop. The interior is appealing upon first glance, though closer inspection will reveal plenty of dust particles (a common result of neglecting overall hygiene) and the true tawdriness of the clear, circular plastic decorative elements found throughout. Most striking was the single bathroom stall, which featured foul remnants on the inside of the toilet bowl, construction-level grime, and a malfunctioning sink. Skip this establishment should a washroom be of high priority to you.
On a separate hunt, I took to Lucky Tea, Palgong, and the newest contender of Royaltea before finally securing a Thai ahgase's Grass Jelly Milk Tea. Though the bathroom was much nicer in comparison, service was mediocre despite the lack of patrons. The counter staff had the audacity to hand my beverage to another customer before my very eyes, then take it back and pretend as if the entire ordeal hadn't taken place at all.
I did not try Royaltea's creation; forwarded comments included "good" grass jelly and a high dose of slickness.
I did not try Royaltea's creation; forwarded comments included "good" grass jelly and a high dose of slickness.
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