I attended another Kinka Izakaya tasting, but this time at their North York location. Located at Yonge and Shepherd, it is tucked away behind a tall fancy condo. We were a bit confused and walked around the entire condo before we found it. It’s slightly smaller than the Bathurst location but expands to a patio when there is warmer weather. We started our night with some drinks. I had a Cherry Blossom consisting of red wine, cassis liqueur and sprite. My friend had a virgin ramune mojito.
The night’s menu had a few repeats of the previous location’s dishes, but they did spice it up for those who attended both. Our first dish was Takowasabi, marinated octopus with wasabi stem eaten with seaweed. The taste of this came as a surprise as you are hit with wasabi right away! At the same time, we couldn’t stop eating it but prepare for a bit of a mouth burn.
Next I was reunited again with the Kaisu and Tofu Salad.
The Gyu Carpaccio was one of my favourites of the night and beautifully presented. It was a seared beef sashimi with ponzu, wasabi mayo and garlic chips. It was so delicate, fresh and flavourful.
Karaage is always welcome and my friend who didn’t come with me last time highly enjoyed it.
I had no problem eating the Gindara again. It’s melt in your mouth texture is to die for.
The night continued with Kakimayo baked oyster.
Tontoro grilled pork cheek filled our stomach. It had a side of yuzu pepper that could be used a dipping.
Our last savory dish was another favourite, the Salmon Ozisushi, a blowtorched sushi. This was a bit different than JaBistro’s version as it had plenty of ginger for flavour.
Dessert was a green tea creme brûlée very similar to the one at Yakitori Kintori (a sister restaurant).
We left the tasting with full and happy stomachs. Best of luck to all Kinka Izakaya locations!
This meal was complimentary, but views are my own.
Tiana Feng 