Despite recent and continuous closing of some badly missed, long standing Canto-food icons, along the popular Highway7 ‘food stretch’. O’Mei, Richmond Court, John’s BBQ, Golden Abalone etc……to name a few. I was glad, bringing to light, a few newly uncovered and excellent establishments to fill the void. Their additions are more than worthy enough to uphold and sustain the reputation and popularity of this Richmond Hill food destination. Albeit, these gastronomic replacements are all Japanese Omakase restaurants!...Sushi Gin, Sushi Taki, Sushi Umi.
It is a well practiced Chinese custom to have a family gathering dinner the day after Chinese New Year’s day. Tonight, for this celebration, we decided to follow a recommendation made to me by a trusted Nipponophile foodie friend, ex-chowhounder ‘skylineR33‘. Instead of braving the New Year crowd and having run-of-the-mill, ‘production-line’ quality restaurant food at some packed Chinese eateries. Our family gathering was held at this obscurely located Omakase Sushi-Ya close to Markham’s ‘Whole-foods store’.
For an incredible price of only $98, we were offered the following well crafted and outstanding delicacies by the friendly, communicative and skilled Chef:
- A couple of delightful and tasty otsumami appetizers that included marinated
Japanese seaweed and an amazingly delicious and rare ‘ Shirako in a delicious
sweet ponzu sauce ‘. - 10 Nigiri pieces, each individually crafted and dressed and hand delivered to us
at the Sushi Bar. These include Hokkaido Scallops, Suki, Amaebi, Shima-Aji,
Bontanebi topped with Bafun Uni, Chu-Toro, Soy marinated Ikura, Aburi Sea
Trout, Aburi Otoro, Hokkaido Bafun Uni - Handroll of Maguro and diced pickles……creative and good with appealing
textural contrast - Tamago, flame torched top created a delightful crispy layer
- Fish Bone and Tofu Soup; Delicate and packed with sweet umami flavor
- Homemade dessert of Macha and Coconut Panna Cotta. Refreshing,
aromatic and with just the right sweetness
A few of us, with larger appetites, decided to order a few special extra a-la-carte nigiri pieces on the side. These included the Aburi O-Toro and flame torched Foie Gras with Maple syrup glaze sushi……the latter, so R@#%&^$ing good!
Overall, we find the choices for the Neta varied and well chosen, super-fresh and of fine quality. The Shari, well textured and the taste profile balanced to our liking using red vinegar.
Service was super attentive and friendly.
In this day and age of high inflation and cost of living. It is totally amazing and unheard of to find such an enjoyable, standout quality and awesome value Omakase meal! Maybe the presence of nearby competition helps to play a part?
Do head over there ‘pronto ‘ and give it a try before the HST vacation is over!! Well worth the drive!
