best sushi in town

[azn_gq]

Originally posted by nonlinear
^^uhh, dude, we were referring to azn_gq. but this is funny, cause now we know there are 2 of you engaging in this self-promotion. i'm not saying the food or restaurant is bad, just the deceitful methods of advertising.

HAHAHA oops! Vtec and I work at the same place (not the restaurant). And he accidentally forgot to log out. Anyhow thse previous few responses were actually from me. My bad

[clem24]

Originally posted by rage2

Bad sign or not, I went to Sukiyaki House on Friday night, it was fucking good. I'll be writing a full review shortly.

Too bad they don't have Sukiyaki yet, sushi was amazing.

Interesting... Maybe you work there too.

Hmm.. Amazing is a pretty big word coming from you.. That just might actually be the ticket.

[rage2]

Originally posted by clem24
Interesting... Maybe you work there too.

Hmm.. Amazing is a pretty big word coming from you.. That just might actually be the ticket.
Fun fact, I worked at the old Sukiyaki house from '91-93 as a bus boy. :rofl:

[sputnik]

Originally posted by rage2

Fun fact, I worked at the old Sukiyaki house from '91-93 as a bus boy. :rofl:

Just when I was about to give the place a try...

[msommers]

I'll probably give it a try soon and spill the beans on how it really is.

[clem24]

Originally posted by rage2

Fun fact, I worked at the old Sukiyaki house from '91-93 as a bus boy. :rofl:

HA! I was right. This place just can't seem to get unbiased opinions... ;)

[avow]

how do you guys find the sushi boat in crowfoot? i have always enjoyed it.:clap:

[GQBalla]

sushi boat is decent, not bad at all

[azn_gq]

Originally posted by avow
how do you guys find the sushi boat in crowfoot? i have always enjoyed it.:clap:

Better than Towa, even though they are together..

[rage2]

Sushi Boat is decent. It's great for a quick Sushi fix for me, since I live 2 mins away. They're decent because Sakana crowfoot sushi is near inedible for me. Sushi boat is nothing to brag about, but compared to Sakana it's awesome haha.

[clem24]

Originally posted by rage2
Sushi Boat is decent. It's great for a quick Sushi fix for me, since I live 2 mins away. They're decent because Sakana crowfoot sushi is near inedible for me. Sushi boat is nothing to brag about, but compared to Sakana it's awesome haha.

Funny thing.. Sushi Boat is also the closest sushi place for me, but I've never been. My buddy went and couldn't really recommend it, though he did mention they are a kaitenzushi, so good for a quick meal.

I've been to Sakana in Crow however, and let me just say that I haven't been back. :rofl:

[rage2]

Originally posted by clem24
Funny thing.. Sushi Boat is also the closest sushi place for me, but I've never been. My buddy went and couldn't really recommend it, though he did mention they are a kaitenzushi, so good for a quick meal.
Yea, I've been in and out in under 10 mins. So awesome for a quick sushi meal!

It's too bad that the whiteys there don't understand that the concept is designed as fast food. Some ppl dine there I swear for 2 hours! The wait sucks.

[ghust]

im not sure if it was said already but sushi zeal in kensington was really good. although i think it may have moved or temporarily closed, they are doing construction around there right now..

[ee2k]

Originally posted by Speed_69
anybody know when Sushi King on 16th Ave is suppose to open up?

I heard it opened up last week. And the all you can eat at $25 includes sashimi and unagi with no limits, far better than the ol' places that charge $22 for nothing but rice covered fish.

Working up an appetite to go ...

[bremorr]

Tokyo Garden......the place is a shit hole but the sush is great!! "Tokyo Tuesday" is an every week gig for me!! The staff is also top shelf.

I also like Maruji (sp?) Top of centre street hill.

[clem24]

Originally posted by ee2k


I heard it opened up last week. And the all you can eat at $25 includes sashimi and unagi with no limits, far better than the ol' places that charge $22 for nothing but rice covered fish.

Working up an appetite to go ...

I don't have high hopes for a place that calls themselves Sushi King. I am guessing the usual AYCE rules apply - limit of sashimi/sushi that can be placed per order (even though it's unlimited for total order) and they "conveniently" drop orders.

So someone try it out and report back here! Personally, if I took my wife, that'd en up a being a $50 bill + tax/tip. Our bill at Zipang is usually about $30 more than that, but we get top notch stuff and I am usually stuffed and I get to eat exactly what I want. So far, there's only been 1 AYCE that I would keep returning to but it's in YVR (most/99% of the AYCE places suck there).

[Disoblige]

Went to Sushi King, and it was not that good at all (even for an all-you-can-eat meal standard). The sushi was not very fresh, and my girlfriend and I were debating if they were using actual sushi rice or just the incorrect ratio of vinegar. The salmon sushi had a plastic taste to it but the sashimi cuts were slightly better and were actually edible. The spicy sauce used is decent, which made the spicy tuna, and spicy salmon sashimi one of the more appealing items on the menu.

Tempura batter was hard and difficult to bite through. Not good. They probably mixed it too much, developing the glutton, or didn't use cold water.

Unagi (fresh water eel) is one of my favorites when it comes to sushi and it was one of the best I've had for all-you-can-eat. Minimal bones and pretty soft. Can't complain when I see 12 of them in front of me. (Off topic, but Asian buffet night at Grey Eagle casino is amazing. Haven't seen so much unagi in front of me in my life. ~100 pieces or more).

The rolls have too much rice on them. It's like for example a cucumber slice with 1.5 cm thick rice on the outside. Dessert wise, they have jello and a steamed egg dessert (dun dan), but we didn't have any since they're apparently still working on the recipe. They made it and it was terrible so they decided not to put it out.

The goods: Sashimi is decent (compared to everything else on menu). Unagi is good too for all-you-can-eat standard.
The bads: Rolls too big, and overall not up to par to Sumo 10 or Sushi Ichiban (yes, I said Sushi Ichiban).

For the price being it is (Think it was like $25), I would much rather go to Sumo 10 where quality overall is decent, or Sushi Ichiban where they're been around longer to know how to make sushi rice and tempura.

[pinoyhero]

Originally posted by ghust
im not sure if it was said already but sushi zeal in kensington was really good. although i think it may have moved or temporarily closed, they are doing construction around there right now..

Sushi club? In kensington, still open, wicked joint

[clem24]

Haha ok Sushi King sounds nasty.... And it only makes it worse when you point out that you'd rather eat at Ichiban. :barf: x 123125124

[Disoblige]

Went to give Sukiyaki House a try last night and it is :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Will put a decent review and bunch of pictures of the experience sometime soon. Great sushi considering its chinese chefs and white owners? Haha

Dessert also excellent!

[jwslam]

Originally posted by Disoblige
Went to Sushi King
is it true that they have all you can eat sashimi?
and yes i believe it's 25 for special while their real price should be 28

[Disoblige]

It is all you can eat Sashimi there, but it's meh. Go to Sumo 10 if you want that stuff. They even have seared selections too.


Edit: Also check out my flickr. I got quite a few photos of various Sushi places like Misato, Sushi King, El's, Gunkan, including my recent visit to Sukiyaki House.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/disoblige

(There are multiple pages. Just gotta flip through them, or click on 'Food Review Photos' to see the entire set)

[AMFH403]

What time does all you can start for Sushi King?

[nj2Type-S]

Originally posted by Disoblige
It is all you can eat Sashimi there, but it's meh. Go to Sumo 10 if you want that stuff. They even have seared selections too.


Edit: Also check out my flickr. I got quite a few photos of various Sushi places like Misato, Sushi King, El's, Gunkan, including my recent visit to Sukiyaki House.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/disoblige

(There are multiple pages. Just gotta flip through them)

damn...so much food, lol :drool:

[cressida_pimpin]

I haven't ever been to a good all-you-can-eat place!! If you want world class sushi, Shikiji is your best bet without a doubt!!!

Runner up is Globefish.

If you haven't been to Shikiji, you must go.


http://www.shikiji.ca

[xolemonteaox]

Sushi King all you can eat is all day

I've been to shikiji before and they're not that great...
If you want something DECENT, El's Japanese Fusion or Sukiyaki House is WAY better than Shikiji or Globefish.

You must not have been to a lot of places..if you think Globefish is runner up to Shikiji
Globefish may be good, but it's nothing special. Their menu is similar, if not exactly, the same as Chopsticks and Towa.


Does anyone know if Yoyoki is still open for business?

[nj2Type-S]

how much is it for the all you can eat at sushi king?

[xolemonteaox]

Originally posted by nj2Type-S
how much is it for the all you can eat at sushi king?

when i went, it was $25 per person

[aaronck]

Not sure about best Sushi in town, but I went to Kinjo for Mothers day and had a BLAST, with great food the owner, Peter, is always out interacting with the customers and being a great host!

[Grogador]

why would I tell you? hard enough to get a reservation there as it is :poosie:

[trieu]

Do you guys know the best sushi in Vancouver? heading there this weekend.

[rage2]

Originally posted by trieu
Do you guys know the best sushi in Vancouver? heading there this weekend.
http://www.tojos.com/

[bigbadboss101]

Tojo is known to be one of the better sushi place in N.A.
I haven't been there but my sister in Vancouver said it's great, a little more expensive.

There is a place on Cornwall and Yew beside the Starbucks by Kit's beach that is quite nice. Fusion style. Don't remember the name. There are two pretty much side by side. It's the one on the right.

[yellowsnow]

Kinjo Sushi on macleod is my new favourite.

Their Kinjo roll... mmmm :drool:

[ciscoboi]

Originally posted by trieu
Do you guys know the best sushi in Vancouver? heading there this weekend.

If you want very large portions, and very decent sushi for a very reasonable price. Check out Sushi Garden in Burnaby.

Directions (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&cid=0,0,9715100772485385028&fb=1&split=1&gl=ca&dq=sushi+garden+burnaby&daddr=4635+Kingsway,+Burnaby,+BC+V5H+2B3&geocode=10393009926295830160,49.229167,-123.001407&ei=Gv8KSq3oMI6KtAPTlJ3mCA&z=16)

It is a very busy place, so get there early. Oh nver mind, its never not busy. Sushi Garden will be filling, and satisfying, but, hence, doesn't have the qualilty of a Japanese owned restaurant. (this is Korean owned).

[chengj]

Originally posted by rage2

http://www.tojos.com/

I was in Van last week and went to Tojo's. Other than the price (ordered the Omakase, didn't pay enough to sit at the counter with Tojo himself though), the food, the service & the atmosphere was incredible.

If you are looking for something cheaper, I'm told by my Vancouver friends that the All you can eat place across from Tojo's is pretty good.

[ddmmak]

What is the address for Sukyaki House? Thanks

[RY213]

Originally posted by bigbadboss101
Tojo is known to be one of the better sushi place in N.A.
I haven't been there but my sister in Vancouver said it's great, a little more expensive.

There is a place on Cornwall and Yew beside the Starbucks by Kit's beach that is quite nice. Fusion style. Don't remember the name. There are two pretty much side by side. It's the one on the right.

Octopus' Garden??? I went there in March and it was awesome!

[azn_gq]

Originally posted by ddmmak
What is the address for Sukyaki House? Thanks

130, 207- 9 Ave SW in Penn West Plaza next to Rush.
(403) 263-3003

[JDMMAN]

Sushi King's food was :barf: the sashimi and nigiri were all warm when brought out. The fried items had poorly mixed batters which were rock hard.

The only "good" thing about Sushi King was a uber hot server :bigpimp:

[Speed_69]

Originally posted by JDMMAN

The only "good" thing about Sushi King was a uber hot server :bigpimp:

Next time, we need photos then!

[JDMMAN]

Speed_69: Not sure if I'd ever go there to eat again, it was pretty nasty worse then Sushi BBQ Inn! :barf:

[etothek]

Globe Fish!! Deep fried Tempura California Rolls YUMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!! :drool:

[Disoblige]

Originally posted by JDMMAN
Sushi King's food was :barf: the sashimi and nigiri were all warm when brought out. The fried items had poorly mixed batters which were rock hard.

The only "good" thing about Sushi King was a uber hot server :bigpimp:

Yep, tempura was terrible and it's due to the chef's not knowing how to make basic tempura. Mixing too mix developing glutton, and/or not using cold water.

There's a white server there that's decent looking if we're talking about the same person.

[The_Rural_Juror]

I went to Sukiyaki House a few days ago. The food was amazing. Definitely one of the best in town. Nice folks too.

[SteveMo600]

Originally posted by The_Rural_Juror
I went to Sukiyaki House a few days ago. The food was amazing. Definitely one of the best in town. Nice folks too.

How was price comparable to other sushi spots?

[The_Rural_Juror]

Originally posted by SteveMo600


How was price comparable to other sushi spots?

Menu (http://www.sukiyakihouse.com/page4.html)

It's not as expensive as I thought it would be. The rolls aren't huge, but they sure were delicious.

Make sure you save some room for dessert.

[rage2]

I found Sukiyaki House to be cheaper than Blowfish, and way tastier.

Fuck I miss it already. I wanna come home! LOL

[clem24]

Went to Sukiyaki House on Saturday night. Quite busy at 7:30, so lucky I had reserves.

I ordered a whole bunch of nigiri sushi, and a bunch of rolls, plus appies and dessert. For me and my wife, bill came out to $125 after tax/tip. It's definitely on the expensive side.

The food was really good. There wasn't a roll I didn't like. The sushi was fresh, but rice ball was a bit on the big side. But the rice was done very well. Presentation is top notch. Fish quality is excellent for Calgary standards. Mostly quite fresh (the toro wasn't very good though). Prices are decent for single piece sushi. The gyu nigiri was especially good. The botan ebi was ok, had a slight bitter taste (i.e. not as fresh), so Zipang wins here. But at least they deep fry the shrimp head without you having to ask.

If I had to complain about the food, it's probably the hamachi was dried out when I got to it (i.e. not moist) and didn't quite have that hamachi flavour, and that for $8, the ponzu oyster leaves just a little to be desired (3 pieces, that's it). Otherwise good stuff.

The other complaint was the time it took to get our food. It came in waves. We got there at around 7:45, and our last roll came out at around 9:30. The problem is that they made them in batches. So I got my nigiri fairly quick, but my rolls came out about 1 hour AFTER my nigiri. That is not acceptable at all. Same thing with my dinner companions. They got their rolls about 45 mins in, and took another 30 mins to get their cones.

The problem I think is a.) not enough chefs and b.) their stuff is too fancy so it takes too long to bring it out. In any case, our table was right beside the sushi bar, so I could see both chefs never rested for even 1 minute while we were there. So I guess they need to hire more chefs cause they definitely couldn't keep up.

The other thing... The place is fairly hip. Whereas at Zipang it'd be full of older people, this place was definitely for the 20'ish crowd. Boy did I feel old in there hahaha.

I guess this is about the best Chinese/owned operated sushi place in Calgary.

Also, sukiyaki was not on the menu, but someone ordered it while we were there, so I guess ask if that's what you want to eat.

[rage2]

I was told Sukiyaki won't be on the menu for another few weeks. They're trying to figure out how to make it a little more presentable. I mean really, sukiyaki is pretty sloppy haha.

[kenny]

:thumbsup: for Sukiyaki House. I've wanted to go back since I first went because I couldn't enjoy the food fully. I went about a week after getting my wisdom teeth taken out and some of the crunchier stuff made my gums hurt like hell.

I think I enjoyed every single roll I tried that night!

[msommers]

Originally posted by clem24
Went to Sukiyaki House on Saturday night. Quite busy at 7:30, so lucky I had reserves.

I ordered a whole bunch of nigiri sushi, and a bunch of rolls, plus appies and dessert. For me and my wife, bill came out to $125 after tax/tip. It's definitely on the expensive side.

The food was really good. There wasn't a roll I didn't like. The sushi was fresh, but rice ball was a bit on the big side. But the rice was done very well. Presentation is top notch. Fish quality is excellent for Calgary standards. Mostly quite fresh (the toro wasn't very good though). Prices are decent for single piece sushi. The gyu nigiri was especially good. The botan ebi was ok, had a slight bitter taste (i.e. not as fresh), so Zipang wins here. But at least they deep fry the shrimp head without you having to ask.

If I had to complain about the food, it's probably the hamachi was dried out when I got to it (i.e. not moist) and didn't quite have that hamachi flavour, and that for $8, the ponzu oyster leaves just a little to be desired (3 pieces, that's it). Otherwise good stuff.

The other complaint was the time it took to get our food. It came in waves. We got there at around 7:45, and our last roll came out at around 9:30. The problem is that they made them in batches. So I got my nigiri fairly quick, but my rolls came out about 1 hour AFTER my nigiri. That is not acceptable at all. Same thing with my dinner companions. They got their rolls about 45 mins in, and took another 30 mins to get their cones.

The problem I think is a.) not enough chefs and b.) their stuff is too fancy so it takes too long to bring it out. In any case, our table was right beside the sushi bar, so I could see both chefs never rested for even 1 minute while we were there. So I guess they need to hire more chefs cause they definitely couldn't keep up.

The other thing... The place is fairly hip. Whereas at Zipang it'd be full of older people, this place was definitely for the 20'ish crowd. Boy did I feel old in there hahaha.

I guess this is about the best Chinese/owned operated sushi place in Calgary.

Also, sukiyaki was not on the menu, but someone ordered it while we were there, so I guess ask if that's what you want to eat.

Good review Clem. I still have not managed to try this place out yet; seems to be worth a try for sure.

[clem24]

Originally posted by rage2
I was told Sukiyaki won't be on the menu for another few weeks. They're trying to figure out how to make it a little more presentable. I mean really, sukiyaki is pretty sloppy haha.

They had it on an induction stove top. Presentation of the veggies looked pretty good (arranged very neatly). Except the table that was having it was quite far so I didn't actually see it being cooked - just being brought out. I guess maybe the family that ordered it must be relatives or friends of the owners then. Such a Chinese thing to do! :rofl:

[trieu]

I had Tojo's this weekend, it was pretty good but I don't know if I would go back. The beef tataki at Sukiyaki House was better than Tojo's I thought.

[rage2]

Did you do the omakase at Tojos? You're not gonna get the chef's best work unless you go omakase.

[azn_gq]

Originally posted by clem24


They had it on an induction stove top. Presentation of the veggies looked pretty good (arranged very neatly). Except the table that was having it was quite far so I didn't actually see it being cooked - just being brought out. I guess maybe the family that ordered it must be relatives or friends of the owners then. Such a Chinese thing to do! :rofl:

Haha very true. But so far, sukiyaki is avaliable for everyone to order. It just has to be ordered 24hours in advance. :burnout:

[phreezee]

Anyone know of a place in Calgary that has Monkfish liver? One of the best things I've ever had!

[trieu]

Originally posted by rage2
Did you do the omakase at Tojos? You're not gonna get the chef's best work unless you go omakase.

Yeah I did, maybe I didn't pay enough? I did the $80 one. What do you get when you go there?

[rage2]

I always go for the unlimited omakase. They bring stuff out till you're full.

[clem24]

Originally posted by trieu


Yeah I did, maybe I didn't pay enough? I did the $80 one. What do you get when you go there?

Holy shit $80... Some of the best sushi I've ever had is this place in Seattle called I Love Sushi. Gay-ass name, but it's a total bargain (relative, LOL), and the sushi is absolutely top notch. This is my $35USD omakase set.

Yup includes chutoro and ootoro! :drool:

[rage2]

That's an omakase set? That looks like something I order regularly off the menu.

[Sorath]

I went to sushi king thought it was the best ayce in Calgary the spicy miso sashimi was killer! Same with the spicy tofu

[natejj]

Just went to Sushi Ichibahn on Bow and 37th... the lunch special is only 9.95, you can pick 2 items from a list, one of which is sushi. I got the Sushi and Ginger beef.... got about 5 large pieces of sushi, and a big plate of ginger beef. Deffinately some of the best priced stuff I've seen. You can pick other thinks like sweet and sour chicken, spicy tuna, etc....

[clem24]

Originally posted by rage2
That's an omakase set? That looks like something I order regularly off the menu.

Well, keeping in mind omakase is basically "chef's selection" so whatever is fresh that day. It doesn't have to have flair. Just fresh fish. In Japan, if you went to some tiny joint, they almost expect to have very plain sushi cause the taste of fish always comes first. Usually just a slab of rice and the piece of fish. Having flair on the sushi is a very western thing. In any case, that set in the pic.. most of that stuff cannot be had in Calgary.

My fave omakase meal was at Edokko in Narita. I'll post some pics when I get home. Amazing little place.


Originally posted by natejj
Just went to Sushi Ichibahn on Bow and 37th... the lunch special is only 9.95, you can pick 2 items from a list, one of which is sushi. I got the Sushi and Ginger beef.... got about 5 large pieces of sushi, and a big plate of ginger beef. Deffinately some of the best priced stuff I've seen. You can pick other thinks like sweet and sour chicken, spicy tuna, etc....

:rofl: fack..... Ginger beef with sushi?!? Sweet and sour chicken?!? You can get a lunch box at Sushi Bar Zipang for probably $2 more and you'll actually get authentic Japanese food.. Heck, forget the authentic part.. You'll get Japanese food period. Yikes. :banghead:

[malcolmk14]

Actually, the taste of the rice comes first. Fish is like a condiment, and the focus of top quality sushi should be primarily on the rice.

When you get perfect rice together with quality fresh fish, that's when you find good sushi.

Anyway, going to Zipang tonight to check it out for the first time. Excited about the prospect of a very good sushi place in Calgary.

[Disoblige]

Originally posted by clem24


Holy shit $80... Some of the best sushi I've ever had is this place in Seattle called I Love Sushi. Gay-ass name, but it's a total bargain (relative, LOL), and the sushi is absolutely top notch. This is my $35USD omakase set.

Yup includes chutoro and ootoro! :drool:

That looks incredible clem!! Would love to try that place out when I visit relatives


Originally posted by Sorath
I went to sushi king thought it was the best ayce in Calgary the spicy miso sashimi was killer! Same with the spicy tofu

:barf: Maybe they improved since they opened since they've gotten suggestions from customers. I MIGHT try again in a couple months just to see. I do agree that the spicy miso sashimi was decent but only in comparison to everything else that was terrible.


Originally posted by malcolmk14
Actually, the taste of the rice comes first. Fish is like a condiment, and the focus of top quality sushi should be primarily on the rice.

When you get perfect rice together with quality fresh fish, that's when you find good sushi.

Anyway, going to Zipang tonight to check it out for the first time. Excited about the prospect of a very good sushi place in Calgary.

Went to Zipang once and it was decent! Give El's Fusion a try, or Sukiyaki House for some top notch stuff in Calgary.

[malcolmk14]

El's is great for fusion-type sushi. Looking for more traditional experience. Tough to find in Calgary so far.

Haven't yet tried Sukiyaki House.

[rage2]

Zipang for the traditional Sushi. Sukiyaki House is a combination of the 2. Most of the singles is japanese style, while most of the rolls are fusion style.

[malcolmk14]

Rolls typically are not very traditional. There are a few that are, read: hand negi-toro rolls, but for the most part nigiri sushi is sushi in the more traditional sense.

[msommers]

Supposed to be heading to Sukiyaki House this Wednesday, probably 4 or 5 of us. Do I need to bother with a reservation?

[clem24]

Originally posted by msommers
Supposed to be heading to Sukiyaki House this Wednesday, probably 4 or 5 of us. Do I need to bother with a reservation?

I always make reservations now wherever I go regardless of whether I think I need them or not. It's 30 seconds on the phone to save at least 30 minutes later. (And yes you do need them at Sukiyaki House - at least I did on a Sat night).

[clem24]

Here's Edokko in Narita. Check out the fish to rice size ratio!

[clem24]

And what my wife had (though I ate most of it cause she's not a nigiri/raw fish fan.

[clem24]

I went back to I Love Sushi the next day and ordered Omakase again:

[clem24]

And here's my wife's fave: seared scallop with this orange hot sauce. (man there's gotta be an easier way to attach). The ones in the front are a type of mackerel.

[gatorade]

Originally posted by natejj
Just went to Sushi Ichibahn on Bow and 37th... the lunch special is only 9.95, you can pick 2 items from a list, one of which is sushi. I got the Sushi and Ginger beef.... got about 5 large pieces of sushi, and a big plate of ginger beef. Deffinately some of the best priced stuff I've seen. You can pick other thinks like sweet and sour chicken, spicy tuna, etc....

lol ginger beef

[szw]

Originally posted by clem24
I went back to I Love Sushi the next day and ordered Omakase again:

The Omakase looks pretty good to me and is killer value for $35. I'd probably order two.

I get a similar looking omakase (a bit more pieces, I think 13 total) for about $55 which is pretty awesome with great tasting rice. Its on the cheaper end of the spectrum in Toronto for omakase but one of the best still. The best is a hand roll they give you (not a cone) at the end of the meal which you eat immediately otherwise the nori gets all soft. I've never had nori that crisp before.

[malcolmk14]

Went to Wa's last night and had a truly amazing meal for sushi in Calgary. The rice was perfect, and although the size of the fish portions were a little big, it was still a really solid meal. Here's a list of what I had off the top of my head.

Nigiri sushi:

Maguro (Red Tuna) ($3.30)
Unagi (Fresh water eel) ($3)
Anago (Salt water eel) ($4)
Sake (Salmon) ($2.50)
Hamachi (Yellowtail) ($3.30)

Rolls:

Negi Toro Roll (Tuna belly and green onion) ($6)
Spicy Tuna Roll ($5)

Also got the Chirashi Sushi bowl, which is assorted sashimi over sushi rice and is great value for $22. Came with two pieces of each:

Mackerel, Red Snapper, Tuna, Salmon, Scallop, Hokkigai (can't remember english name, maybe Surf Clam?), Ebi (shrimp), Octopus, a bunch of crab meat, and some roe. Tons of rice, very tasty.

Meal came to about $80 for two people after tax/tip with no beverages.

I will go back to Wa's.

[msommers]

FINALLY was able to try Sukiyaki House last night. Zipang is pretty much my good-to place for sushi so I'll be comparing S.H. to it mainly.

As we walked in, the restaurant itself was quite appealing, very modern and clean; layout was open. I had made a reservation because there were 6 of us. It was for 8 but came a little earlier and the place was dead, two couples and us.

Service was great. Tea and water was always full without even thinking about it. Our waitress was very friendly and our appys and sushi arrived in good time. The manager and chefs were even talking to us for a bit, I think because it was so slow last night. I've never been to Zipang when it's so slow like this, so it's hard to compare, but staff there are always friendly and if you're sitting at the bar, the chefs do chit-chat a little.

Presentation was fantastic and definitely wins here vs. Zipang. More care and creativity is what really sets it apart. The avocado on the outside of some of the rolls was very cool, I've never seen that done before.

Food was very good. It is definitely in the more...fusion/saucy side of things but not too much like Blowfish. Also, nothing really bizarre like a pizza roll (wtf!). Nigiri portions weren't anything to write home about and in particular the salmon wasn't even that good tasting. Scallop and unagi were fantastic though; yellowtail was decent . With 6 of us hungry guys, we tried just about every roll on the menu and none of us were disappointed with any, the dragon roll was one of our favorites and was suggested to us by the chef! I remember a bunch of rolls had the tempura crumbs in it which personally, I could do without. Fish quantity in the rolls were basically the same as Zipang, however the spicy salmon rolls were a LOT less. Maybe because more emphasis on the sauce on top? All tasted fresh, even the salmon rolls which was surprising after having the questionable nigiri beforehand. An aside, one of the guys likes cali rolls so we got one of those. The manager brought this one out and mentioned all the crab was fresh crab meat. Zipang has never mentioned if it's one or the other.

Price for nigiri was about on par with Zipang however rolls were more expensive. Appys were about the same.

Overall, this is an obvious downtown sushi spot; very trendy and wonderful design, with a lot more time taken on food presentation. In my opinion, it's in the middle of sushi styles with Zipang on one end and Blowfish on the other. I'm more of a traditional, not-too-saucy kind of sushi guy so I hang more towards the Zipang end of things. However, if I was feeling like something with a touch of fusion, Sukiyaki House would be where we're heading.

[89coupe]

I tried the new Sukiyaki House today.

Positives.

Nice decor.

Nice plating.

Decent prices.

Negatives.

Very slow service.

The food was good, but nothing WOW. It appears that the sushi Chef is the same guy from BLowfish.

Its different that he switches up on the preparation of the sushi, but why not ask the customer if they want that before doing it.

I still say Sushi Club is by far the best and freshest sushi in Calgary.

Sushi Club, still my #1 pick

[Disoblige]

One little comment about one of the chefs at Sukiyaki House. It was a weekday and dead quiet, before their grand opening actually. Things were great; sushi, rolls, dessert, etc. However.. I noticed the server was busy doing something in the kitchen and she wasn't on the dining floor. The chef simply put a table's rolls on the counter and the couple there just stared at him, and he stared back. Instead of taking the dish to them himself, he chose to awkwardly stay silent and ignore them after eye contact. Wouldn't it be better to take it to them himself so the couple would have some interaction with the person who made their food, AND the place was only filled with my girlfriend and I enjoying dessert and them.

That was the only little thing that made me shake my head. The owner and server that served us the food were great and even sparked some conversation with us.

Edit: And holy crap Clem.. That seared scallop with orange sauce looks :drool: :drool: :drool:

[canadian_hustla]

SUSHI KING (16 AVE 2nd ST NW)

$25.00 lunch all you can eat. It is amazing. I used to think Sushi boat was better but not a chance

seriously, check this place out and thank me later :)

[Disoblige]

Originally posted by canadian_hustla
SUSHI KING (16 AVE 2nd ST NW)

$25.00 lunch all you can eat. It is amazing. I used to think Sushi boat was better but not a chance

seriously, check this place out and thank me later :)

Have you tried other places in Calgary? I usually have a lot of friends (usually white) who love places like Sushi Tokyo and cheaper sushi you buy from T&T, whatever. But as soon as they try a restaurant with better quality, such as Wa's, Towa, and El's Fusion to name a few, they start to think the old stuff taste like crap. Then they get mad at me for ruining the cheap/garbage for them since now they know what good is haha.

[xolemonteaox]

Originally posted by canadian_hustla
SUSHI KING (16 AVE 2nd ST NW)

$25.00 lunch all you can eat. It is amazing. I used to think Sushi boat was better but not a chance

seriously, check this place out and thank me later :)

i can't believe what i'm reading! sushi boat tastes so much better than sushi king!
the salmon sushi taste stale! i never knew sushi can taste stale
do you like sushi tokyo and blowfish too?

[clem24]

Originally posted by canadian_hustla
SUSHI KING (16 AVE 2nd ST NW)

$25.00 lunch all you can eat. It is amazing. I used to think Sushi boat was better but not a chance

seriously, check this place out and thank me later :)


Originally posted by xolemonteaox


i can't believe what i'm reading! sushi boat tastes so much better than sushi king!
the salmon sushi taste stale! i never knew sushi can taste stale
do you like sushi tokyo and blowfish too?

:facepalm:

[xolemonteaox]

oops, sorry

when i said sushi boat tastes so much better, i meant in comparison to sushi king

[Chandler_Racing]

Originally posted by canadian_hustla
SUSHI KING (16 AVE 2nd ST NW)

$25.00 lunch all you can eat. It is amazing. I used to think Sushi boat was better but not a chance

seriously, check this place out and thank me later :)

I went to Sushi King a few weeks back and was rather disappointed.

[kenny]

Vancouver sushi restaurant (and many others) busted for selling "knockoff" fish via DNA tests.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Health/Health/1659836/story.html

[malcolmk14]

The red snapper/rockfish mislabelling has been a huge problem in California.

[clem24]

Originally posted by kenny
Vancouver sushi restaurant (and many others) busted for selling "knockoff" fish via DNA tests.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Health/Health/1659836/story.html

LOL so shocking. Here at Bali Indonesian in Downtown, I ordered "sea bass" from the menu, but got served basa (I am fairly familiar with both). Basically a $1.99/lb fish instead of $9.99/lb. They are plainly obviously different (i.e. impossible to mistake them), but most people wouldn't have a clue. I didn't really complain though cause I was eating with a buddy I hadn't seen in ages and didn't feel like making a scene.

[Disoblige]

^^ Holy shit clem.. It's not that hard to tell the difference between sea bass and Basa (like you said), I can't believe they would do that and expect customers to fall for it.. In fact, shouldn't even compare! From what I ate, much more delicate and less fishy tasting..

[max_boost]

You know, just cutting costs in a recession. :drool:

[szw]

Originally posted by kenny
Vancouver sushi restaurant (and many others) busted for selling "knockoff" fish via DNA tests.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Health/Health/1659836/story.html

Toronto star recently did something similar with tilapia being sold as snapper/seabream.

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/631705

Not to credit the newspaper for being innovative though, they simply stole the idea of a story from a grade 9 girl's school project and other newspapers in the US.

[GQBalla]

Originally posted by kenny
Vancouver sushi restaurant (and many others) busted for selling "knockoff" fish via DNA tests.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Health/Health/1659836/story.html


Originally posted by malcolmk14
The red snapper/rockfish mislabelling has been a huge problem in California.


Originally posted by szw


Toronto star recently did something similar with tilapia being sold as snapper/seabream.

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/631705

Not to credit the newspaper for being innovative though, they simply stole the idea of a story from a grade 9 girl's school project and other newspapers in the US.

Very true - I know for a fact that Tilapia is sold as red snapper, I used to work a sushi place and i was told this is fake snapper.

On the package it is clearly marked Tilapia yet had red dyes on the fish.

but it was sold as red snapper.

[Disoblige]

Shit guys!! El's Japanese Fusion is going to CLOSE DOWN! It's my #1 place in Calgary for Sushi for quality/value and they're selling from what I heard to be divorce issues, etc. It says the place is for sale, so go eat there or at least try it before it's gone!

Guess I'll have to settle with Sukiyaki House and Sushi Club..

[szw]

Originally posted by Disoblige
It says the place is for sale, so go eat there or at least try it before it's gone!


Doesn't that mean they'll stop ordering fresh and you'll just be eating out what they are tryign to clear out?

[Disoblige]

^^^
It's POSSIBLE, but I doubt it. They were originally from BC and it seems they've been doing this for quite a while. Talking to the chef and hostess while planning a party, I honestly don't think it'll be a problem because they really do pride themselves on using quality product.

[chengj]

Originally posted by Disoblige
Shit guys!! El's Japanese Fusion is going to CLOSE DOWN!...

Any idea when they're closing?

[Disoblige]

^^ Probably when they find a buyer for the location.

[azn_gq]

Originally posted by Disoblige
Shit guys!! El's Japanese Fusion is going to CLOSE DOWN! It's my #1 place in Calgary for Sushi for quality/value and they're selling from what I heard to be divorce issues, etc. It says the place is for sale, so go eat there or at least try it before it's gone!

Guess I'll have to settle with Sukiyaki House and Sushi Club..

I went to check out the place (worried I wouldn't be able to before they close down.. not bad for the price..
are they Korean?