Almost one year ago now Reg and I moved into our neighbourhood. Soon after Arisu Japanese Restaurant opened at the corner of 41st and Victoria. I was curious about it immediately but since Reg does not eat sushi, I did not really have the opportunity to check it out.
Until our friend Emily (next to me) came to visit and we got to hang out with her, her sister and her friends. (Reg had the beef teriyaki.) The food was absolutely amazing and I wanted to go back ASAP.
It took a while. I went to Toronto shortly after our luncheon and ever since I got back I have struggled with my health but yesterday, I wanted sushi!
I had been there the previous Friday and was told they did not have takeout that day. I did not let that deter me. I went back yesterday to see if I could order their Box A: Roll Box Special for $10.95. I got the Dynamite Roll with shrimp instead of the California roll which cost an extra $1.
It is a lovely restaurant and you can watch the chef prepare the food at the bar. There was even an octopus tentacle there! So cool.
We have a ton of Chinese restaurants here so being able to order sushi with a salad, Gyoza and teriyaki chicken was such a treat.
I waited for about 15 minutes. It was a cool dark day and the hostess brought over some tea for me to enjoy as I waited. So sweet!
I had no idea that I was going to end up taking home so much food and styrofoam!
There was a 10% discount coupon outside that I used. All of this food after taxes but before tip was under $12. I could not believe it.
Looks like they gave me complimentary tempera too! With shrimp, zucchini and sweet potato. OMG, seriously…??? What sweethearts.
The chicken teriyaki was unbelievably tender. Not super sweet. Just enough to make a subtle but delicious dish.
Shrimp in California rolls?! Are you kidding me? Delicious! I think these Dynamite Rolls were the highlight of my lunch and definitely worth the extra $1.
My Mom introduced me to joy of eating tempura. I do not eat deep fried foods very often but this was worth it. The styrofoam actually has a hole it in for the steam to escape so when I got home, everything was still amazingly crispy. Delicious! I might have to add this on to my order from now on. Yes, I will be back, LOL.
The chicken teriyaki came with a salad (OK) and gyoza dumplings which got a little tough. The complimentary miso soup had the tiniest little cubes of tofu in it that I have ever seen. I am a huge fan of miso so I was thrilled they added this to my order. They spoiled me rotten but in the best way imaginable!
My only regret is that I have not been going back here more often. I am a little socially challenged and it is hard to go to a restaurant alone. I am so glad I had the guts to go in TWICE and ask about takeout. This is going to be a regular place for me and I can not wait to try more on the menu.
I give this foodie experience five out of five wooden spoons. The food was excellent, the service was so nice (the hostess and the chef even said good-bye and wished me a nice day when I left) and the location perfect. I can not wait to go back and try their seaweed salad!!!
Looks like a place though, if you wanted, you could go and write and have a nice little lunch with some takeaway. Glad your friend came to visit, I bet that was nice.
And wow, it’s been nearly a year already? Holy cupcakes, time whooshes by.
I know, time flies right? Today is the anniversary of our move-in day! Going to celebrate on my blog so make sure to come back!
It’s fun to celebrate. Wishing you the best weekend.
Cheers and boogie boogie.
Hope you had a great long weekend!!