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| - I rarely give five star reviews -- but Shoushin fully deserves these top marks. We went for a special occasion and, hence, didn't mind the hefty price tag that came with a multi-course omakase and sake. In fact, given that what Shoushin does is not really available anywhere else in Toronto, the experience is well worth it.
A few general observations: first, the restaurant is gorgeous. Beautiful design from the linen ceiling to the bar, to the angles and lighting that make shotgun style commercial space on an odd part of Yonge Street (north of Lawrence) breathtaking. The atmosphere is very calm and sen, which helped make the three hour dining experience relaxing and special. Second, the wait staff were wonderful. They carefully checked -- and re-checked - dietary issues (one of our party of four has celiac disease), and lovingly explained the provenance of each piece of fish served, each type of sake, etc. Third, there are different levels of omakase, and we opted for the "sakura" at $160 per person. The only real advantage of the "kiku," for a further hundred dollars was wagyu beef and caviar. The cheaper "yuri," seemed not to make sense given what was on offer. In any vase, the sakura did not disappoint and provided the perfect amount of food [there was also a special Canada 150 menu that highlighted domestic ingredients].
The sashimi was outstanding, each and every piece, with the scallop, mackerel, and shrimp absolutely perfect. A wonderful dashi based soup -- so light but so packed with flavour -- punctuated the close of the sashimi and the start if the sushi. The highlight here, and really of the whole meal, were the three tuna pieces: back, belly, and fatty belly. Fun to have them in succession and superb with the junmai sake we had moved on to at that point. A handroll with a side Tamagoyaki rounded things out before a desert choice (we opted for macha jelly and butternut squash creme brule, both exquisite).
Cannot wait to return, but given the price point it will have to be another very special occasion. This is a gem of a restaurant.
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