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| - Here it is folks my 1000th review, wow, what a wild ride to get to this point (a ride that packed on about 20 yelp pounds in 4 years)! I wanted to make this review special, and to simply review another AYCE sushi joint or the 100th burrito/burger or barber would just be sort of anti-climatic after such a lengthy run.
I hosted a little twitter/instagram/yelp contest to see who could make a case for the best review worthy spot in the 905. The suggestion by @dereknfood on Instagram, was Kiu Japanese Restaurant and they're freshly flown in daily fish had me hooked... literally. Derek was invited to join me on this experience and was an excellent DC.
Warning, if you've read my novels before, stop now if you don't have the time because this review may just become a tome* on sushi!
* Tome [thome] n. a book, especially a very heavy, large, or learned book.
TL:DR: Amazing high quality food, exceptionally well educated staff, higher price point. (4.5/5)
Kiu Japanese is hot and new on Yelp with 52 reviews. Don't let the 3/5 average dissuade you, this is will quickly rise to be one of the top Japanese/sushi spots in the entire Greater Toronto Area. Remember who said this first!
It's on the second floor of the new Cineplex plaza in the heart of what will be the new downtown core for Markham. To find it enter the Cineplex side of the plaza, head up the escalator and Kiu will be on your immediate right.
The experience begins the moment you walk in with a loud boisterous traditional Japanese greeting from the hostesses while they bow. That same greeting and bow is given by every staff member as you are walked to your table. It was a little awkward but you did really felt like a somebody and I challenge you to not crack a small smile.
While this is a Japanese restaurant it could easily pass for a fine dining establishment of any cuisine. The gold koi fish paintings on the black walls and the open sushi kitchen are the only signs of what this restaurant is. My one critique is the harsh white lighting, it's very hard on the eyes and I think with the vibe here they could stand to use a softer yellow light/maybe dim the house lights in the evening. Instagram users and food photogs, no need for flash.
Our server James came over and brought the 4 menus and basically sold our whole table on Asahi beer, which uses Japanese water. The most interesting thing of note about Asahi is that it holds its thick head the same way a pint of Guinness would, and it's delicious!
After enjoying our drinks for a bit, James explained what items were absolute must haves and how the order of food traditionally varies in Japanese meals. That order is; Sushi first, then hot and cold appetizers, then main course items followed at the end by a ramen course.
Here is the itemized list of everything we ordered in the order we received them and my brief thoughts on each:
SUSHI
- 15pc Sashimi 8 kinds ($40)
- 12pc of 4 Kinds of Sushi / 3pc each ($25)
** The sushi here is really unmatched. You can taste the freshness and the variety extends your palate beyond the usual suspects. Even slightly fishier variants are perfect. The pressed sushi is a must have - if you can get the salmon w/ jalapeno do it!
APPETIZER
- KYOTO STYLE MILK TOFU ($6), a traditional Kyoto style Tofu steamed in milk, with a silky creaminess of custard
- TAKOYAKI ($7), Deep fried battered octopus, topped with powdered seaweed, shaved bonito flakes & tonkatsu sauce.
** I'm not a tofu fan but this was more like a pudding, so soft and creamy! The takoyaki had far too much batter for my taste and they really OD'd on the bonito flakes, nice taste still.
FISH
- SNOW CRAB CROQUETTES ($16), Deep fried snow crab, prawn, scallop, creamy croquettes served with original tomato & tartar sauces.
** Amazing, 2 croquettes per order perfect for sharing. The dipping sauce it heavenly.
MEAT
- CHICKEN KARAAGE ($8), Deep fried chicken thigh served with spicy garlic mayo.
- BEEF TATAKI ($12), Lightly seared beef tenderloin seasoned with a traditional soy vinaigrette dressing & garlic chips.
- MISO GLAZED BONE MARROW ($16), Grilled bone marrow glazed with sweet miso & cheese, garnished with black pepper, dill weed & served with a side of Garlic Cod Roe Bread.
** OMG. The chicken was unreal, perfectly cooked, seasoned and portioned. The tataki was also amazing, the toppings and vinaigrette were perfectly balanced and each bite was so refreshing! The bone marrow was 'OK' and did not come with enough toast.
RAMEN
- ROASTED GARLIC SHOYU RAMEN ($11), Isshin roast garlic oil, bamboo shoots, nori, marinated soft boiled egg, pork belly cha shu, green onions & thin wavy noodles.
* When this hit my table the server who brought it just said "OMG this is so good". He was right, it was top 2 Ramen I've ever had.
I have 50 characters left so I'll end by saying that Kiu is a must do. The price point is definitely very high, but that is the price for high quality. Worth it!!!
For the 1000th time EATCREST OUT!
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