‘Absolutely inexcusable! ‘ . That’s what I would say to myself when I look into the mirror tonight! As an avid foodie who loves Japanese food, it is reprimandable that, for years, I have totally overlooked this authentic Sushi-Ya located so close to home and which I have driven past hundreds of times.
This evening, I decided to take advantage of the recently introduced HST tax break and give this obscurely located neighbourhood destination a long overdue visit! And I’m so glad I did!
Owned and operated by a Japanese chef from Okayama, with over 30 years of Japanese cuisine experience under his belt. Compared to other Michelin guide-recognized Japanese establishments, Chef Takinami Omakase offerings are IMO extremely well priced and reflect an unmatched quality/value ratio
Entrance and front-of-house is a gorgeous and quaint, minimalist Zen themed space with a full length sushi counter as main focal point. Together with well lit lighting, they offer patrons a warm welcome, coupled with a relaxing, cozy and tranquil ambience.
Tonight, amongst their regular menu choices is a limited time offer, Special Omakase for only $95. Other choices include a mid-range $135 and a top-of-the-line $210 option featuring Wagyu beef. Since this is my first experience with this place. Rather than splurging and paying mega-bucks on an ‘unknown’ highest priced option, I decided to tread safely and opted for their mid-range choice to test the water instead.
I am so delighted to report back that, for the price, quality and service, I believe I had just experienced one of the most enjoyable and best value Omakase in the GTA!
For the Omakase course the chef offered the following:
- Otsumami of 4 Appetizers…( Tako, Hotate, Ika and fish & fish egg terrine;
amazingly crafted with tasty sauces and seasoning ) - Clear ( perfectly cooked fish ) Sea Bream broth
- Seafood and Mushroom Chawanmushi egg custard
- 8 pieces of Nigiri……Maguro, Hirame, Hotate, Hamachi, Kurodai, Kampachi,
Aburi-O-Toro, Hokkaido Uni ( lovingly dressed Neta, Shari well seasoned and
served at the correct temperature. Stand-out, hands-down goes to the
ultra-sweet and creamy Hokkaido Uni ) - Tamago
- Negitoro Hand Roll
- Creamy Matcha pudding with caramel syrup
Overall, a most pleasurable dining experience! For my future occasional Sushi Omakase fix, guess Taki has just become my new-found, go-to Sushi-Ya!
