Sushi World

Sushi World
281 College St.

What a wonderfully deceptive fall day. A look out the window promises a cold, wet adventure. Actually going outside reveals that it’s actually quite warm for late October and not a drop of rain from the heavens. Sounds like the perfect afternoon to grab my camera, go for a walk, and hit a sushi restaurant.

This week we venture into a neighborhood that is very dangerous to my wallet. The College and Spadina “tech alley” where all of the good downtown computers stores are. Near the corner, close to a sign that promises deli food straight from the late 60s or early 70s is a fairly new sushi joint. It must be a year old or so, as there used to be a computer store or somesuch in it’s location. Plus the interior is brand spanking new, simple, and comfortable.

I’ve walked past Sushi World a couple of times on recce walks with friends, and as it appeared to be a simple, inexpensive place I dubbed it in the category of “a place to visit when by oneself.” This afternoon qualified as such, so off I went. At 1:30 in the afternoon I was nearly the only customer, so unsurprisingly the service was quick and attentive.

Now sushi, generally speaking, is a pretty healthy food. But I’ve demonstrated in the past that if there is a way to make a salad a cholesterol and calorie filled fiesta, I’ll find it. So with that in mind I tried to make at least one healthy selection. First up was the deliberately green Avocado and Cucumber roll at $4.25. I know what you’re thinking. “Todd, isn’t that encroaching into your Sisters territory?” Well, she was off Zombie Walking (Graaaains! Graaaains!) or something, so I had to fill the roll. Or eat the roll. How droll. There’s something to be said for the thinly sliced “stalks” of cucumber. It brings out the flavour just that much more. An excellent roll that kept even the most demanding omnivore interested. Could have used a touch more avocado, but thats just my own addiction shining through.

Now, I was reading a few other reviews of other restaurants before heading out, and I noted one woman raving about how much she enjoyed Salmon skin maki. You know, I’ve never tried that. So no time like the present! For $4.55 I was treated to what must be the equivalent to a potato chip roll. I can bet there was next to no nutritional value here whatsoever. Yes, we’re firmly back in my comfort zone. The Spicy Salmon Skin combined salmon skin with avocado, tempura, and just a touch of spicy mayo. This had a fishiness quotient slightly higher than, well, fish, but less than Unagi. Plus it brought out the taste of the nori. A bit more crunch would have been in order, but the spicy level was just about perfect for “junk food” as opposed to the wasabi infused heat of “real” nigiri sushi.

With prices on par with Junjun down the street, but with a nicer atmosphere how can I give this anything but a thumbs up? There were even plenty of lunch specials and a 10% discount if you showed your U of T student ID.