Category: Seafood

French · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

Vin Mon Lapin

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Last week, I visited Montreal with my friends Emerald and Envy. The last time I was in Montreal was thirteen years ago when I was a broke student. I was excited that this time around, I could explore the local cuisine. For this post, let’s listen to “Thinking Out Loud ” by Ed Sheeran.

Obtaining a reservation to Vin Mon Lapin, Emerald’s suggestion, took a lot of work. Recently rated #1 of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, no openings were available even though I tried to book the day the spots were released. After several failed attempts on their waitlist, I did manage to snag a 9:45 pm on Wednesday.

We arrived on time and were seated on the patio behind the restaurant. Our server steered us to a stellar natural organic Spanish wine, Vernatxa Instint Primari Friasch, from Terra Alta, Catalonia ($91). This white wine was the best bottle we tried on the entire trip. I found it textured, light and fresh, with a refreshing acidity. This wine was so good, I drank every single drop in my glass.

As we drank our wine and soaked up the evening heat, we noticed things were slower in Montreal. At 10:30 pm, a different server saw our ravenous eyes telepathically begging for a Snickers bar. He came to take our order, and we picked our dishes based on the first server’s vivid and enthusiastic descriptions.

Our first dish set the night, Poireaux ($14). The leek stalks stood straight, packed in sardines in a tin. The marinade tasted clean and grassy oil. Emerald enjoyed the fresh, balanced flavour. Envy found the leeks smooth and savoury. I just liked that I was eating something unusual (to me) and enjoyed the additional crunch from the leek’s accompaniment, potato chips.

Envy and Emerald were impressed with the leek mussels, as it was different from a dish you would find in Calgary. Envy mentioned that Calgary is stronger with game meat because that’s locally available.

I was most excited to try the Corque ($24). The scallop sandwich was friggin incredible. The scallops were silky and smooth, highlighted by the outer layer of delicately crunchy bread. What a treat! Envy doesn’t eat carbs, so I ate her toast. The scallop dish was my favourite dish of the night.

Emerald and Envy loved the Tomate Beuf ($22). The tomato beef was another winner; it tasted sweet, ripe, and tomatoey. In Alberta, we are spoiled with excellent beef, so it was interesting to see that this version of beef tartar highlighted the quality of the fruit more than the meat. It takes some magic to get tomatoes to taste like this. Props to the chef.

Another server came to move us to the dining room for a different experience. I said it was a sweet gesture out loud, and Envy wryly informed me it was because the patio closes at 11:00 pm. Her stark and accurate realism altered my more romantic interpretation, but she agreed that being inside provided an improved experience once seated.

Inside, we met Samuel, a boyish server who recommended other wines by the glass and talked up the chefs responsible for all the deliciousness we ate. I asked for his name to credit him on my blog, but after I realized I may have given cougar vibes. Poor Samuel.

The Laitue ($20) was poetically described, so I was disappointed to learn it was just a salad. While it was a nice herby mix, I would have preferred a second order of any of the previous three dishes instead.

Envy took some of the Porc ($34) and thought it was excellent. I liked the contrast between the soft and crunchy fat on the pork belly. My pictures are worse than usual because Envy and Emerald were so hungry, and I didn’t want them to wait. Next time, I want my friend Lululemon to come. Sometimes she sees my photos and takes my phone to redo it.

The halibut was cooked so the white flesh was hot and soft. Envy approved of our second main, the Fletan ($42). I found the flavour of the fish delicate and perfectly cooked, almost velvety in texture. Envy said she would order this again.

Emerald picked a delicious Torte ($15) for dessert. The cake was coated in a warm, fluffy chocolate sauce. The espresso and rich chocolate reminded me of Coffee Crispy, my favourite childhood candy bar, but much better in every possible way.

I’m glad we were able to check out Vin Mon Lapin. It was worth the repetitive cycle of receiving notifications, frantically checking only to find the offer expired, until finally securing a spot. The food was delightful, and the wine was something special.

Japanese · Seafood · Special Occasion · Sushi

Sukiyaki House – Kaiseki

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L and I finally made it to one of Chef Koji Kobayashi’s kaiseki dinners. Koji spent weeks working on the menu, as this was the first big event since COVID. We counted roughly 30 customers in attendance, a mix of couples on dates and regulars who you see throughout the evening, genuinely appreciating Koji’s creations.

Every guest sat at their table, as the restaurant was closed to the general public. When we were seated, I could sense the excitement in the air, similar to the tension you feel moments before the conductor waves his baton before his orchestra. I was downright giddy from anticipation. Let’s listen to some appropriately Zen-like music.

L and I added the sake sommelier pairings ($60), comprising 15 ounces of alcohol to match with Koji’s seasonally influenced eight-course meal. Our photos do not do the food justice. Check out Sukiyaki House’s Instagram photos to get a sense of the caliber of the presentation of the dishes. 

The sakizuke comprised four elements: daikon smoked salmon, mozuku seaweed, okra and edamame pure, and temari sushi. Judith paired the appetizer with Tenbi, Tokubetsu Janmai Genshu. The smoked salmon was bright with lemon and crunchy from the daikon. The cup of seaweed was phenomenal, cool, slippery and delicate. The flavour reminded me of walking into a tranquil forest. I had never tasted anything like it and worked to get every last strand of seaweed.  

The ossuimono consisted of minazuki tofu, seared uni, jyunsai (water shield) and lime. The soup was full of distinctly Japanese flavours. Light and lovely, I would pick out the juicy little sea treasures and then sip on the beautiful broth. The soup was my favourite dish; it was so sensual in flavour and texture. 

The munkozuke was a showstopper, Japanese halfbeak with yuzo and shiso. Twisted in circle, the spine of the whole fish encircled the sashimi. L loved the showmanship of knife skills and the freshness of the sashimi. The yuzu foam was dreamy, a fresh and gentle complement to the delicate, clean white fish. The soy pairing was familiar, and the contrast made the flavour pop. Judith paired the sashimi with Senki Muku, Junmai Daiginjo.

The takiawase was outstanding. My meat-loving, eggplant and tomato-hating husband was so impressed he declared the cold-style dish his favourite of the night. The eggplant was silky and smoky, gorgeously rich and luxurious. The tomato was plump and so refined in flavour that I couldn’t believe what I was tasting. Between sips of Hououbiden Kanbashi, I would slowly nibbled on the generous scattering of black truffles.

The yakimono course reminded me of the fall season. The grilled miso snapper was adorned with crispy fish scale chips and seaweed paste, reminding me of a cold October night. I loved the char on the baby corn and the giant crunchy spot prawn.

Before our shizakana course, we could smell the grounding fragrance of burning wood. I noticed the classical Japanese music was curated to each course at a volume low enough that my Shazam app couldn’t detect. Our plate of A5 Japanese Wagyu was decorated with a quail egg, foie gras mousse, lotus root chips and emerald-green fiddleheads. The foie gras melted in my mouth like whipped cream, salty and full of umami. Judith paired this dish and the next one with Terada Honke, Junmai.

The gohan mono was a rice dish of marinated squid, caviar, tamago and burock. The dark sauce was heavy and sweet. I enjoyed the combination of the sticky rice and salty crunch from the tobiko. We drank warm cups of sake, which heated me up like a good cup of tea.

The final course, mizumono, was a fun way to end the series. The vanilla ice cream was sandwiched with red beans and strawberries. Koji said the red beans would ward off evil spirits. When I saw how much L enjoyed his dessert, I gave him mine to eat as well. I loved the pairing drink, hojicha infused sochu, a concoction of tea, cold brew coffee and Kahlua. 

L and I were impressed with all the skill, imagination and beauty that went into each dish. The dinner took a tremendous amount of effort and coordination from all the staff, and we appreciated the performance. We look forward to the next kaiseki. Thank you, Koji and L, for a glorious experience.

Japanese · Seafood · Special Occasion · Sushi

Sukiyaki House – GOAT (Greatest of All Time)

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L won an award, and I received good news, so when we came home, we decided to go out and celebrate at Sukiyaki House. When I sat down at our table, I noticed almost every diner coming in was a regular. That’s pretty telling of a restaurant if all your customers are repeat offenders. Let’s listen to “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder for this post.

We started with an ice-cold Asahi beer (16 oz, $9) and munched on piping-hot pieces of chicken karaage ($14). When I took my first bite, I hollered, “La, la, la, la, la, la. How do they make these fatty, crunchy morsels so freaking delicious?” L grinned and looked around because I was being pretty loud. What can I say? I get excited easily. L commented that the marinated chicken was so juicy, brightened by the yuzu kewie sauce like a summer day.

That night, when I posted that Sukiyaki House is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of fried chicken, a follower on Instagram DMed me to say it’s the best because it’s KFC (Koji Fried Chicken). I know Koji doesn’t prepare the kaarage because he creates specialty dishes at the front of the restaurant, but I get the gist: the standard in the kitchen is very high.

We selected some rolls and nigiri to round out our meal: Amabei (Raw Shrimp / Fried Shrimp Head, $5.50), Ebi (Cooked Shrimp, $3.60), Hamachi (Japanese Amberjack, $5), Maguro (Tuna, $3.5), Shake (Salmon, $3.50), Tako (Octopus, $4.20), Hotategai (Raw Scallop, $4.80), Negitoro (Toro / Green Onion, $7.50) Shake Maki (Salmon, $5.50) California roll ($15), and Kelly Tempura ($14).

Generally, I’m not too fond of sushi rolls, but Sukiyaki House has the only rolls my heart beats for. The rice was perfectly seasoned with vinegar and sugar. The tempura in the Kelly roll was still warm, and Sukiyaki House’s trademark airy batter with that mouthwatering flavour you only get from clean oil. So effin’ good.

I always get the California roll when I come here. The flavours hit right. I love the layers and textures of the buttery avocado, crisp nori, roasted sesame seeds and fluffy crab meat. The selection of nigiri was fresh as always, with the scallop being the highlight, plump and creamy as the Milky Way.

Next week, L and I are attending Sukiyaki House’s ‘kaiseki,’ a traditional fine-dining, multi-course meal. Koji spent a decade perfecting his craft in Osaka. So if the restaurant can make fried chicken and California rolls the highlight of my year, I can only imagine what to expect at the kaiseki.

French · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

Cassis Bistro

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On Friday, L had plans that didn’t involve me, as none of his friends were bringing out their old broads. Boys’ night out is not only gender-unfriendly but is also the bane of my social life. To quell my displeasure, he promised we would go somewhere nice for dinner on Saturday. I wish I could say I am exaggerating that I subsequently spent hours debating between River Cafe and Cassis Bistro, but I’m dead serious. Did I want to go somewhere scenic and romantic? Or should I go somewhere close and charming? Cassis won in the end because the wines are more to my taste, and the latest Google reviews are consistently excellent. For this post, let’s listen to “Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son” by France Gall.

Unlike Rea’s Italian Cucina, which is packed at 6:00 pm and empties out by 8:30 pm, the guests at Cassis Bistro dine much later in the evening. When we arrived at 6:00 pm, only a quarter of the restaurant was full. However, when we left at 7:30 pm, it was starting to bustle with customers.

L started off with a beer ($8), I picked a glass of Sauvignon Blanc ($12), and we shared the Foie Gras Torchon ($24). The sauvignon blanc was delightfully cold, with bright acidity and green notes. I remarked to L that the temperature was optimal, as I like my wines cool and crisp.

I told L I was surprised he wanted foie gras, as he doesn’t usually eat rich foods. He responded that Cassis’s version is the best in the city, and he still remembers when we last tried it over a year ago. The texture of the foie gras was light and buttery. The thin ginger crisp was sweet and crunchy, accentuating the delicate savouriness of the liver. The portion was so large, so we added a side of French bread to mop up the last smear.
Oh my gawd, the bread was terrific, crusty on the outside with soft, silky innards. Even the butter was sublime, creamy and grassy, unlike the waxy version I eat at home.

We ate slowly to make each morsel last as long as possible. As we tenderly shared the last piece of bread, I felt like I was in the spaghetti scene in Lady and the Tramp. At this point, I was getting excited for our main courses. L picked White Cream Veal ($44) for his main dish, and I ordered the BC Spring Salmon ($42).

The owner of Cassis recommended pairing our dishes with an oaky Novellum Chardonnay ($14). Pro-tip, always get the recommended wine pairing for each course, as this is the second time at Cassis that the wine and food pairing blew me away. Even L raved about the wine pairing. Again, my wine was served delightfully chilly – colder than my fridge can achieve.

The veal was firm but tender, and while the meat tasted clean and mild, the white cream was deliciously boozy. The side of potato gratin was piping hot and fluffy. The lentils were my favourite – lusciously seasoned and slippery smooth.

I typically order the mussels at Cassis, but I’m glad I ordered the salmon. The large flakes effortlessly fell apart when I took my fork to the salmon, which soaked up the rich, satiny smooth lobster sauce. I loved the fatty, fresh flavour of the salmon. This dish was so stellar that L was envious of my choice.

We shared Marquise ($14), a chilled dark chocolate bomb so damn good that I cleaned the plate. I don’t have a sweet tooth, so it has to be excellent for me to eat dessert.

This meal was so good I proclaimed that I would die happy if I died that night. When we woke up alive the next morning, L said that was one of the best meals he’s eaten all year. I concur. If you haven’t been to Cassis, I would highly recommend it.

Bars/Lounges · Beer · Dessert · Happy Hour · Japanese · Pubs · Seafood

Week of Gluttony – Koto Sushi, Two House, Bear & Kilt, Annabelle’s Bar, BBQ Express

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This last week has been a food fest. I met up with Zoomhahaa for oysters, L for pizza at Two House, Lululemon and Kournikova for beer, pizza, wine and dessert, and a takeout lunch of Chinese BBQ. Let’s listen to “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus for this post.

Zoomhahaa and I met up at Koto Sushi. Our server was friendly and didn’t make us feel bad for taking advantage of their wicked happy hour oyster special. West Coast oysters were only $1.25 each, and that is the deal of the year.

Zoomhahaa and I prefer West Coast oysters over East Coast because we like our oysters fat and creamy. In comparison, East Coast oysters are flatter and thinner in size, with briner, saltier notes.

We started with a dozen oysters each. Each oyster was shell-fragment-free, a major shucking feat, especially for happy hour. The sea morsels were milky and smelled like the ocean. We alternated between the green onion mignonette and eating the oysters with lemon and its natural juices. Paired with a cold Sapporo ($6) and a big glass of wine ($6), we both exclaimed there was no better way to spend an hour after work. We ordered a second dozen oysters each, and the last round was even better than the first. We left full and happy, and I swear, I was just one oyster away from gout.

The next night, I felt chipper after work, so I told L I was taking him out for pizza at Two House Brewery. We shared the Formaggi ($23) pizza. This pizza is so simple but so good. The cheeses paired well with the sweet drizzle of honey. We washed our supper with Yuzu Shio beer (12 oz, $6), a light, lemony beer.

I met Lululemon and Kournikova on Thursday at the Bear and Kilt on Stephen Avenue. Once you walk in, you feel like you are in ye olde Calgary. The whole setup is adorable, with old furniture and vintage memorabilia. We bumped into Christina, the co-owner of Klein & Harris, who rushed in to check something. Kournikova also knows Christina, and she mentioned she was heading to her restaurant for a late dinner with her husband.

Lululemon and I drank Wild Rose beers ($7.99) and personal pizzas ($14.99). Kournikova ordered Patron and soda ($14). For our second drink, Kournikova felt like wine, so we walked to Annabelle’s Bar across the street for another drink. There, we shared a bottle of sparkling rose. We met the manager, Simon, who knows Eric, the co-owner of Juice Imports. We chatted about the restaurant culture in Montreal and how getting wine from Pinard & Filles in Calgary was easier than in Quebec, where the winery is located.

Kournikova settled our tab and took off to meet her husband across the street for dinner. Lululemon ordered us beverages, as well as Whipped Ricotta ($15), Tiramisu ($12) and Crème Brulée ($12). I was so full from the pizza, but the tiramisu was so light and soft, it was too delightful not to devour. Lululemon took that photo below, in case you are wondering why there’s one good photo on the post. She told me not to fight for the bill, and she said it was such fierceness I backed down and said I would get the next one. When we finished, I called an Uber to take us home. The driver pretended to be outside but wasn’t and cancelled on me. Lululemon hailed us a taxi instead, and the next day on Good Friday, I slept off all the dessert and wine.


On Saturday, I went to Sun’s BBQ to pick up some duck and BBQ pork. After I made my purchases, I walked a block over to BBQ Express and picked up a two-meat-on-rice lunch combo ($11). I ordered soy sauce chicken and crispy pork. Two things stood out. First, the owner was so friendly and polite. Second, he was so generous with the meats he had to put a rubber band over the container so the food wouldn’t spill out.

When I got home, I hastily snapped a photo. Unfortunately, the angle of my image is awful, as it doesn’t show off the crispy skin. The pork was tender and cut well, so each slice of meat with crunchy skin was proportional and fit nicely in my mouth. There’s just something so winning about the combination of the plainness of the steamed rice in contrast to the rich, fatty crunch of the skin. The soy chicken was the show’s star, as the meat was plump and silky. The sauce on the chicken skin was light but flavourful, with a touch of sweetness. The food was so good I posted it on Calgary Food – FoodYYC.

Unfortunately, I received three unpleasant comments. One complainant doesn’t know how to use contractions. Another thinks anyone that has a cash only business is a thief, liar, or criminal. The third person tried to argue that I didn’t eat crispy pork, even though I said I did and you can see the crackling skin poking through. All I wanted to do was spread some good news about a cheap and cheerful eatery, but hey, it’s the Internet, and everyone has an opinion.

When I looked up the names of a couple haters, I recognized their writing style and realized they used to write nasty comments on my previous employer’s Facebook page. What a small world! I think I’ll stick to sharing my experiences on my blog, where it is a safe place to spread the word about delicious eats in Calgary.

Italian · Restaurants · Seafood

Rea’s Italian Cucina

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I wanted to take my brother Five Stars (formerly known as Jacuzzi) out for Italian food. I picked Rea’s Italian Cucina, a restaurant I’ve heard from acquaintances who swear the food at Rea’s reminds their nonna’s cooking. Let’s listen to the “Pasta Song” La Famiglia for this post.

When we arrived, I noticed most of the customers appeared to be of Italian heritage, which I considered an excellent indicator of what was to come. L commented he liked the old-school vibe, dark furniture, prominent paintings, and curtained windows. Five Stars said he was surprised every table was filled by 6:35 pm. L informed him that Calgarians prefer to eat early.

Our server, Dante, greeted L as he recognized him. It turns out that Dante is the owners’ son and a Haskayne School of Business student. What a small world.

For drinks, I ordered a glass of Ripassa (9 oz, $19), L picked a glass of Peroni ($8.50), while Five Stars chose an Orangina ($4.50). For food, I ordered the Calamari ($17), Salsiccia Casa Sausage ($17), Linguine Mare ($31), Fusilli Ferraro ($23), and a medium pizza, the Sandro Special ($24).

I recommend ordering appetizers, as the two we tried kicked some serious ass. The sausage had a spicy kick with a generous fat-lean ratio. What stood out for me was the chewy texture and unique seasoning. The tomato basil sauce was just beautiful, robust with a vibrant tomato flavour. All sausages should aspire to be Rea’s sausage. L and Five Stars said this was their favourite appetizer.

Five Stars noticed that I handed my phone to L to take pictures of the food and asked him if he usually took photos. With a long-suffering sigh, L rolled his eyes and confided that he had always taken the pictures but never received any credit. I retorted that L has a better eye for photography than I do, and I also make Five Stars take photos for me. I thought but did not say it was lovely they could bond over a common complaint.

I preferred the calamari wasn’t deep-fried because you could enjoy the satiny texture, and L mentioned it was cooked perfectly. The ringlets were silky smooth, and tender. We both loved the tangy sauce. L pointed out the big difference between the sausage’s tomato sauce and the calamari. I tried the two side-by-side and thought the tomato sauce in the calamari tasted more like olive oil. I would get the calamari again.

After a suitable amount of time, our mains arrived. The pizza dough was homemade and in between a Greek-style and Neapolitan crust. Covered in molten cheese, I could detect a pleasingly strong smoky flavour. The olives, prosciutto and cheese tasted extra good to me.

The fusilli was my favourite because of the pure decadence of the rose sauce. The creamy sauce was so smooth and luscious that I cleaned the plate. Five Stars mentioned he liked the texture of the fusilli. Slick with a slippery sauce, the surface still had a slight chew.

The linguine mare is one of Rea’s signature dishes. There was almost as much sauce as noodles, which I loved because the tomato sauce was so thick, fresh and balanced. L and Five Stars were surprised there was so much seafood. The ratio of clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp and calamari to noodles was even. The flavour of all the shellfish was prominent, though the brightness of the tomato sauce cut through some of it. I dig the cheeses Rea uses in the pasta and pizza – it’s more flavourful and tastes better than the one I use at home.

I would come back. I’d order everything again, but I want to try the veal tortellini for variation, and L said he wants to try the chicken parmesan. We shared everything, so the amount of food we ordered was perfect. We only had half a pizza left over. Five Stars declared this was his favourite meal in Calgary. He asked how we found it. L gestured to me, and I explained I’d heard about this restaurant for over a decade now, as it has a reputation for homestyle Italian food. Hitting the Sauce gives Rea’s two phat thumbs up.

Japanese · Seafood · Special Occasion · Steakhouse · Sushi

OMO Teppan & Kitchen – Celebration dinner

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I accepted a position in a cool, entirely new (to me) industry! To mark this happy event, L and I went out to celebrate. I wanted to go somewhere fun and boisterous to unleash my glee with gay abandon. I immediately thought of OMO Teppan & Kitchen. For this post, let’s listen to “Worth It” by Fifth Harmony. 

OMO specializes in teppanyaki, a cooking style involving a chef who cooks your food on the grill, along with some entertaining displays of fire and knife skills. In Calgary, there are three teppanyaki restaurants, Japanese Village, OMO Teppan and Kitchen and Tobe Teppanyaki Lounge. Japanese Village is the oldest, with a reputation for curt servers and being rushed to finish your meal. Tobe is the newest, located in Deerfoot City. OMO has been around for about five years and has over a thousand glowing Google reviews raving about the fun entertainment. 

As we walked in, the most delicious smells wrapped around us. I was surprised that at 5:30 pm, the restaurant was already full of families. Robots zoomed in the background, bringing chefs meats and vegetables. Periodically, a recording of a birthday song would pop up in the background noise. While we sat and waited for our table, we watched a chef delight small kids with tricks and shouts of “party, party!”. 

Our server Ari asked our table if we were celebrating a special occasion. I mentioned I accepted a new job. Another person was celebrating a birthday. The other four were a family, and even though they didn’t say so, it looked like they were meeting the daughter’s boyfriend for the first time. 

We ordered a Sake Bomb ($9), Asahi ($9), Wagyu Gyoza 5 pcs ($10), Japanese Wagyu Sushi (2 pcs, $25), Brant Lake Wagyu Sushi (2 pcs, $12), New York Steak 6oz ($40) and Rib Eye 10 oz ($58). All the teppanyaki meals include a shrimp appetizer, soup, salad, grilled vegetables, rice and ice cream. 

The Wagyu gyoza is worth ordering again. Be careful, as these dumplings are messy. Hot juices would squirt onto the table when I bit into the plump gyoza. The beef tasted rich and intensely flavoured. L noted the liberal amount of spicy chili oil in the meat filling. 

The Brandt Lake wagyu nigiri was leaner and had a cleaner flavour profile than Japanese wagyu. Of the two, I prefer Japanese wagyu for its tender, silky texture and deeper flavour. Next time, I would opt for OMO’s number one-selling sushi, the Flying Dragon Roll ($23).

When Chef Kenny arrived at our table, I knew we were in for a treat. First, his sharp eyes cooly assessed our table, taking everything in. Next, he carefully stretched out his muscular, tattooed arms and kindly greeted everyone, customers and staff. Then, he started the show.

Chef Kenny exhibited impressive juggling skills with sharp objects and fire. He fired broccoli pieces into our mouths, flinging each piece with his spatula like a missile. Birthday Boy and his spouse caught it. What a power couple. Even though Chef Kenny had a great aim, both L and I missed; somehow, the broccoli bounced off my mouth. I told L we needed to practice our food-catching skills at home.

Watching Chef Kenny cook the rest of our food was a delight. Birthday Boy was so excited when Chef Kenny generously squirted his beef with a sauce he shouted in encouragement, “Yeahhhh! Yeahhhh!” Wow, he sure likes his sauce! The Father ordered fried rice, and it was neat to see Chef Kenny crack an egg and then toss it back and forth through the air like a hacky sack. 

Chef Kenny nailed our food. The vegetables were hot and crunchy from the grill and well seasoned with fresh pepper. L doesn’t like mushrooms, and he even ate them. Part of the magical flavour of the food is the amount of garlic butter Chef Kenny used. He caught my expression when he put a huge chunk of butter on my steak; he reassured me and joked, “Don’t worry – it’s good cholesterol.”

 My ribeye was rich and buttery in texture, a perfect medium rare. The New York is less moist and rich than ribeye, but it has a beefier flavour and more of a chew to it. I enjoyed the “magic sauce” side, which tasted like a yummy blend of sesame oil, soy, mustard and mayonnaise. I would get the ribeye and NY steak again, though I might try the filet mignon on my next visit.

Birthday Boy at our table got cake and a song. Ari asked me if I wanted a cake and apologetically informed me that they didn’t have a song to sing for a new job. Instead, Ari offered to take our picture to remember the night. 

Throughout the evening, I observed all the staff working as a team to ensure customers were happy and entertained, particularly the children. We also had a genuinely good time and enjoyed the food. Hitting the Sauce gives OMO, Chef Kenny and Ari two phat thumbs up. 

Pizza · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

The Barbella Bar (and later, Major Tom)

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On Friday, I met up with Lovegastrogirl for dinner. I noticed The Barbella Bar does an excellent job staffing the front of the house. The hostess greeted me warmly while her counterpart, a blond, high-energy employee, charmingly escorted me to our table. His friendly banter and fun-loving vibe made me feel like I walked into a scene at Sur in Vanderpump Rules. For this post, let’s listen to “Shampain” by Marina and the Diamonds.

Our table was on the second floor. Lovegastrogirl faced the balcony while I sat across a cabinet full of wine glasses. Pro tip – if you are looking for a vibrant, bustling night scene, ask to be seated downstairs.

I started off with a Martini Isabella ($17), and Lovegastrogirl ordered an English Garden cocktail ($15). My cocktail contained specks of ice, and the olives (which I requested in place of capers) were frozen solid. I found the blend of vodka and vermouth jarringly fierce, unlike Major Tom’s criminally smooth martinis.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

On Instagram, I saw that Miss Foodie recommended cauliflower, artichokes, and crispy chicken, so I wanted to try them all. We started with the Oysters on the Half Shell ($21), Warm Cauliflower ($14), and Crispy Artichokes ($8). After we finished our appetizers, I planned to order the Chicken Puttanesca ($26).

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

Our server informed us the oysters were from New Brunswick. Perfectly shucked, the flesh was cold and crunchy, with a sweet aftertaste. The passion fruit mignonette tasted floral with tropical notes. I would order the oysters again.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

The artichokes were soft and creamy, with a brittle brown batter. The rosemary aioli was herby and added a comforting sage-like fragrance to the batter.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

I enjoyed the mint and buttery pine nuts in the cauliflower dish. The capers and raisins added some sweetness and salt. Lovegastrogirl found this dish a tad salty.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

For our next drink, I suggested she order what Miss Foodie recommended – the Ground Control cocktail ($16). We contemplated ordering the Chicken Puttanesca, but Lovegastrogirl received a notification of an opening at Major Tom. I was jiving for another experience, so I settled the tab, and we walked down a flight of stairs to visit the washroom before our next venue.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

As I reached the basement, I asked Lovegastrogirl if she wanted a piece of gum. I bumped into the employee who seated us, and he asked me who I was talking to as I was alone. I turned around and realized that my friend had stopped at the top of the stairs to take a photo. Wowzers, that Isabella martini was strong!

Perhaps it’s the restaurant’s lighting or the stunning view of the city, but Major Tom has it going on. I can see why Lovegastrogirl and her husband frequently visit this restaurant. It’s a sensory experience – the panorama cityscape, the upbeat playlist and the overall energy from the servers and customers.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

Our server, a chipper German native, complimented my choice in beverage – a Cosmopolitan Martini ($16). Lovegastrogirl was put out that her choice in beverages didn’t receive the same accolades. My cocktail was expertly made – the sour and sweet notes were well-balanced. Even though we were full from our meal, Lovegastrogirl ordered Major Tots ($8), a dish she says is grossly underrated by the general public. As always, she is correct. This appetizer should win an award.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

I loved smooth, smoky surgeon mousse, the tart crunch of the pickled onions, and the warm, oversized crispy tater tot. Lovegastrogirl ordered two more tots for her husband, Pomp, who had come to get us from our night of feasting. Thanks Lovegastrogirl for another fun night and the after party at Major Tom! I’m looking forward to our continued festivities in mid-January, along with my friend Beep Beep.

French · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

Bridgette Bar

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Lovegastrogirl invited me to dine out at Bridgette Bar. Based on our history, she purposely picked a night that she didn’t have to work the next day. For this post, let’s listen to “Big Energy” by Latto, Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled.

Lovegastrogirl ordered Burrata Cheese ($22), Rigatoni ($19), Brussels Sprouts ($14), and Garlic Bread ($8). She ordered a cocktail while our server recommended a Pinot Blanc for me (Domaine Neumeyer Tulipe, $14).

The first two dishes to arrive were garlic bread and rigatoni. The bread was crunchy on the outside and airy on the inside, heavily blanketed with snowy white cheese. The salty flavour of the bread reminded me of a Chinese fried doughnut. The garlic bread had a strong cheese pull game – deliciously stringy.

Lovegastro loves a good rigatoni – her favourite is Carbone’s spicy version. She raved about how good this dish was, despite or because of its simplicity. The noodles had a nice bounce and chew. The mushroom sauce was speckled with truffles, rich and tangy.

My favourite dish was the burrata. Holy smokes! The white flesh of the cheese was so fresh tasting, cool and soft. However, what made this dish stand out was the zucchini mint relish. The clash of the fresh herbs and nuttiness from the sesame seeds was sensational against the sweet, milky flavour of the cheese.

The beige chestnut form was generously dolloped on top of the brussels sprouts. The sprouts were sweet from the honey. I couldn’t taste the truffle or thyme, but at this point of the evening, my taste buds were still stupor from the sensational burrata dish.

On a late Tuesday night, the restaurant was packed. I’m not surprised, as the food and service at Bridgette are consistently excellent. When I returned from the washroom, my napkin was refolded, and a fresh glass for my second glass of Pinot Blanc. I can’t remember the last time this happened to me. Actually, I do, it was at Ten Foot Henry.


Lovegastrogirl insisted on treating me out. I told her I would only accept if she agreed I would take her out the next time. Thank you, Lovegastrogirl, for dinner and your kindred company. I’ll be seeing you at Pat & Betty in January!

Japanese · Seafood · Special Occasion

Sukiyaki House – Birthday dinner

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I didn’t even have to ask L where he wanted to celebrate his birthday. Instead, I just requested a day that he wasn’t working late. For this post, let’s listen to “Business Time” by Flight of the Conchords. 

Though we have eaten at Sukiyaki House countless times, this Friday was the first time we sat by the front window, which affords a city view of the lit up office buildings and skyline. I like this table, as it feels more secluded and date-like. 

Judith recommended the feature carpaccio made with Hachibiki (Pacific Bonnetmouth), flown in from Japan. Whenever she makes a suggestion, it always blows our mind, so of course, we ordered the Hachibiki Carpaccio ($24). 

Chef Koji Kobayashi slayed the presentation – the multi-coloured roes, ruby-pink fish, yellow petals, and purple and green greens sparkled in the light. What a beauty! Judith suggested a creamy sake to pair with the carpaccio. The mouthfeel of the sake was so sensual, with soft fruit and floral notes. 

Hachibiki is a gentle-tasting fish, delicate and sweet. The roe was hard and crunchy, with a sea-like flavour. L loved the spicy heat in the ponzu sauce. He mentioned Chef Kobayashi’s dishes are very Japanese, but he puts his creative stamp on them. It amazes me how much talent and skill he displays consistently, time and time again.

We were lucky that night and the owner, Anna, made our tempura. The batter was so light, and the shrimp was so sweet and toothsome. The ultra-fragile batter, ginger, matcha salt and tentsuyu (dipping sauce) make Sukiyaki House’s version a standout. 

I’m addicted to the California Roll ($13), which tastes nothing like the cheaper versions you can find in the city. Instead, the crab is sweet and meaty, the nori is freshly roasted, and the sesame seeds are noticeably toasted. 

We ate the usual suspects – big fat scallops, hot and juicy deep-fried shrimp heads and crunchy cuts of octopus. Sweet Bejesus, what a feast!

The birthday boy didn’t want dessert. He only wanted a quiet night with no late partying. I was happy to oblige for this one weekend. Happy birthday, L!