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| - Shinobu Sushi was our last dinner in Toronto and we were just crossing our fingers that this place would leave a lasting impression on us as we headed back to Hawaii the next day, and all i can say is that our dining experience at Shinobu in Toronto did not disappoint but it wasn't mind blowing either. I have to say that my expectations are high being from Hawaii and all i can say is that the fish from Hawaii is unbelievably and uber fresh and the quality of food in Izakaya's here in Hawaii are simply outstanding and the only place i can think that can compete with Izakaya's here in Hawaii are those from Japan.
Now one thing we really studied hard about eating at Izakaya's anywhere we go is that the owners definitely have to be from Japan and no place else because that's how we determine how good this place can be and we can actually say that it's authentic and after month's of studying about places to eat in Toronto and having my wife, who happens to be Japanese, looked at food blogs from Japanese who have been to Toronto, Shinobu seemed to be a very popular place to dine at since there were many favorable reviews about this place, so this was a place we had to try.
Shinobu is a very small restaurant that has about six to seven tables and was very spacious and not too tight for a big guy like me. The service and staff here are very nice and welcoming and that was a big surprise after dining at other places in Toronto that make you feel like you have the plague or some sort of incurable disease. But i have found that eating at all these Japanese Restaurant's here in Toronto, they were all so cheerful and happy as if i were in Hawaii and they definitely had the Aloha Spirit.
The menu here at Shinobu isn't as extensive as most Izakaya's i have frequented but i have to say that when it comes to value, they get high marks for that because the prices here to me are very reasonable for what you get. I also like the item's they offer throughout the menu even if it was limited. I also like the Specials they had for the evening.
The Deep Fried Halibut Special was cooked to perfection. Light, Crisp, very mild and the pieces of Halibut were very generous for the price.
The Toriten Nanban: Chicken Tempura with Tartar Sauce was really delicious and didn't need any sauce at all. I enjoyed it just the way it was.
The Grilled Squid took a while to cook but was well worth the wait. Well executed and not chewy at all.
Torikawa: If you like Crispy Chicken Skin like i do, then this is what to order. Crispy Chicken Skin and an ice cold Japanese Beer.....Heaven
Lobster Roll: Kind of like a Spider Roll without the legs. Surpisingly good and presentation wonderful
Now the Sushi Selection here at Shinobu is very reasonably priced but lacked the selections that i normally eat at Izakaya's or Sushi Bar's. What really disappointed me on this trip to Japanese Restaurant's here in Toronto is that there was no Uni to be found whatsoever. That is a big let down for me. How could they not get any type of Uni anywhere? Don't tell me it's off season or is it that hard to get Uni from Santa Barbara,Hokkaido, or even Boston? I always got to have my Uni fix when i travel and was so heartbroken when it wasn't available.
I was also disappointed that Shinobu didn't have any O-Toro or Chu Toro available on their menu as well. I guess beggar's cant be chooser's but i expected a lot more from an Izakaya especially with the reputation they carry.
We also ordered more things on the menu and all i can say is that you can't complain because of the price, but for a person like me, i don't mind spending on quality and at Shinobu i was hoping for much more but my expectation level may be a little too high.
As for me coming back here again if i ever come to Toronto again? This place would definitely be a place i just might come back to, but i think the menu here is somewhat lacking for a person like myself but once again, the reason why i would come back here is for the value and for those of you people who want good value and not break the bank, i would have to say give it a try, i think you will leave here a happy camper if authentic Japanese Fare is what you are looking for without feeling like you got robbed.
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