This surprisingly delightful, French/Japanese fusion, Sushi Omakase experience was the result of my eating itinerary miscalculation. For the remainder of our stay, we were hoping to savour a couple of Michelin star calibre French and Sushi meals before leaving town. Sadly, our tight schedule only allows us to fit in one. Fortunately, this newly opened gastronomic destination managed to ‘kill two birds with one stone’ and helped to save our day…..kind of?!
Sushi L’Abysse Yannick Alleno is the brain child of the French Michelin 3* master chef Yannick Alleno ( Paris 3* Pavillon Ledoyen fame ). Combining his reputation and French culinary talent and flair with that of the skill of a Japanese Master Sushi Chef, the duo collaborated to forge an intriguing ‘triple tier’ French and Japanese influenced Omakase tasting menu. The creation consisted of an authentic, traditional Edomae Sushi Omakase sandwiched between French themed appetizers and desserts. The Parisian flagship of this joint venture is currently holder of 2 Michelin stars.
Reflecting the exceptional standard connected to the prestigious Four Seasons brand. The stellar and impeccable quality of both the food and service were as expected and did not disappoint. In fact, the friendliness and attentiveness of our bi-lingual master sushi chef was second to none, hands-down the warmest and most thoughtful hospitality we have come across.
Whilst my wife settled for the abbreviated luncheon Omakase, this ‘still growing elder’ decided to splurge and go for a full blown Sushi Omakase experience.
Focusing on the sushi, most Neta served for the nigiri were mainly of unfamiliar fish and seafood varieties from Japanese waters, with names and origin too exotic, complex and foreign to remember ( eg., Cold water rock Garoupa from local waters?! ). Shari uses the same formulation as their Paris flagship. Some seldom seen techniques and approaches ( at least in Toronto ) were also made use of…..applying smoldering Bincho charcoal to brand Aburi sushi’s Neta and shaving Bonito flakes of choice, whole dried Bonito filet onto dishes…etc.
Both our sushi chef and the restaurant manager ( a lady from Montreal’s Four Seasons ) were at the restaurant entrance to shake our hands, thank us and see us off! Such amazingly warm hospitality!
The overall total package experience was absolutely memorable and social media post worthy! Oh! Did I mention the view from the restaurant’s window?! Absolutely breathtaking!
Lastly, walking past the lobby Patisserie and seeing those gorgeous pasties were way too much of a temptation not to grab some! …and they were so well made and uber-delicious!
