Manna from the heavens! Millrise was in need of a pick-me-up in terms of its dining - enter Peter Kinjo. The man who opened the original Kinjo on Macleod Tr in 2005 and expanded to Dalhousie in 2011 has struck again, opening his third location in the city, and it is a most welcome new restaurant. The original location is notorious for its limited 65-person seating, hyperspeed turnover, and raucous atmosphere - Millrise follows closer to the Dalhousie model in its sprawling interior, but retains the fast food service and upbeat atmosphere. The interior design is warm and inviting, with three distinct themes throughout (my wife lamented that the kitchen area itself resembled a cafeteria).
Their general organization in the entire restaurant would not have you believe this place was only opened to the public five days beforehand - smooth and efficient. And of course you have popular "Pocky boy" Andre spreading cheers through the dining room, singing four birthday songs in the 45 minutes we were there.
Of course, interior design and atmosphere will only get you so far in the restaurant business, so the element that Kinjo has maintained to the highest standards in all three locations is the most important: the food. My wife and I ordered the kissing dragons roll, some assorted pieces, gyoza and the sauteed long beans. It was the Sunday dinner rush (likely close to 70 people in the whole restaurant), and we received all of our food within 10 minutes of ordering it. The sushi was as fresh and delicious as it always is in a Kinjo location - I don't want to claim its the best in the city, but...
The best part of this place is its proximity to home, literally a stone's throw away. On second thought, that may be the worst part. Very excited to come back here again and again.