Japango
122 Elizabeth St.
Another Thursday, another lunch with my sister. The difference this week is that Laura actually picked the place ahead of time, so I’m obviously having some affect, even if it’s just on those around me. This week the sushi adventure takes us to a place that “City council goes to dine.” Along with some TV/Film stars apparently, judging by the autographed photos on the wall.
Firstly, Japango is in a slightly out of the way location. You can only get to Elizabeth street from Dundas, not Queen. Secondly it’s a cozy place to eat. Tables for two are very tightly packed together, and it’s a small restaurant. It’s nice though, sitting next to people like that can make you feel like you’re part of a larger group. Hey, I’m a glass half full kind of guy.
In solidarity with the vegan, who had her usual veggie bento box ($9.99), I ordered Kappa Maki (Cucumber roll) to go with my Spicy Tuna roll. It’s been a while since I had Kappamaki ($3.99) and it’s a good thing I did this time around. Kappamaki is meant to clear the palate between different rolls/dishes, and it was really well done. Very tightly rolled with the smallest slices of cucmber. It was an extremely welcome change to really taste the nori. But I ate it properly in between peices of the Spicy Tuna. The Spicy Tuna ($6.99) was extremely spicy. Easily the hottest thing I’ve had in my outings so far. this doesn’t make it bad though, far from it! After the first peice I got used to it and really enjoyed the garlic/onion flavour along with what has to be some of the best tuna I’ve had.
It’s not really much of a surprise though, as this spot seems to be tied with Yuzu, whose owner was interviewed for the peice in The Star on “Fish Fraud”. The fish from this restaurant was 100% as-advertised, and while I can’t do DNA analysis with chopsticks and an appetite, I’ll go out on a limb here and say the tuna used was of the highest quality. It sure tasted like it.
My only criticism would be that a table could be removed to give the rest of the tables just that little bit of extra elbow room. As I said, it’s very cozy, and they’d have trouble seating a group larger than 4 if there were any other patrons in the establishment.
Overall perusal of the menu shows very reasonable prices ($3.99 to $12.99) and if the quality holds up with the rest of the menu (as I’m sure it does) it makes for a real bargain for the gourmand!
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- Japango
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- Japango – Veggie Bento
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- Japango – Kappa Maki
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- Japango – Spicy Tuna Roll
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- Japango – Rolls!
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- Japango – Your humble author
I believe it is “piece” and not “peice”.
Japango roll is definitely the best there. Try it next time. Ask for their specials, as the menu changes often, and is always guaranteed fresh. Consider treating yourself to the omakase, or at the very least the black sesame ice cream. Best in the city!
[...] Well this week it would seem that work is catching up with my frequent sushi buddy Laura, so I decided to go it alone. Because I was by myself it seemed like a good idea to try something a little more upscale, I need to treat myself every so often! Coincidentally, Laura had handed me a card for the restaurant Yuzu the time that we went to Japango. [...]