Anomay's Profile
Haru Sushi Bar - Calgary SW - comparing it against various Japanese restaurants
We went back to Haru on a Sat evening since they have a free appetizer special via the flier they distributed to the nearby neighborhood.
We ordered the salmon tataki as soon as we sat down. It came very fast - my dining companion really enjoyed the toppings (various chopped up veggies), and for a free dish I thought they were quite decent as well. Not sure I'd order it again if I had to pay regular price, because there were so many other items to sample.
We then ordered the Haru sushi special platter & an unagi & avocado rolls, plus 2 aburi scallop nigiri. The service was amazing throughout dinner - they cleared our plates right away as soon as we were finished, and we got unlimited green tea refills. I enjoyed almost everything that we chose this time - the sushi was fresh, the assorted tempura that came with the platter was light & crispy, and I loved the scallop with the little spicy sauce on top. Not a fan of the unagi rolls because I found little bones in them, but they did taste ok as well (if I ignored the little prickly bones).
I'd recommend this restaurant now - this is the 4th or 5th times I have been to it (all the other times were lunch). Since my 1st visit from my last review, they have added some good value lunch specials (I especially enjoyed the sushi combok, with salad & soup), and it seemed like it has improved every time I returned. And like Talo wrote, they have added many California rolls too! LOL.
Frankly I am more of a nigiri sushi eater, but I think in Calgary, a Japanese restaurant have to do their rolls well. They certainly have some very interesting creations on their menu that I haven't seen anywhere else.
Haru Sushi Bar - Calgary SW - comparing it against various Japanese restaurants
Ah, I read your review on Urbanspoon. I don't disagree with you about the mall-quality sushi at much higher prices. I mean, almost all rolls are at least $10-$15, and nigiri sushi are like $3 each ...
Professor Manzo (yep, I was one of your students), I am not a fan of California rolls either, but I think it is a mistake for a Calgary Japanese restaurant not to include it on their menu. It's almost a given, like pasta in an Italian restaurant is a given. I am aware that California rolls are not exactly "authetic", but when people think about sushi in North America, more often than not California rolls pop into minds first.
Haru Sushi Bar - Calgary SW - comparing it against various Japanese restaurants
We went to the newly opened Haru Sushi Bar in Springbank area (right next to Ambrose University College) today for lunch.
The menu is interesting but misses a few of the basic, such as California rolls, in Calgary. I actually overheard another patron asking whether California rolls were available. My favourite sushi places have always been the more traditional Japanese restaurants, however I am willing to give the new dig a try. The decor is Asian chic, and it kinda reminds me of Alloy with the fake Sakura trees in the middle. The owners and servers and kitchen staff all stood awkwardly around; we already knew about the higher prices before going in, so we were well prepared.
We got fish & chips to start - my dining companion proclaimed that it was one of the best fish & chips he had recently. The basa fish was on 2 skewers, lightly covered in tempura batter, and it was fresh and delightful. The banana and yam chips were also crispy & airy. Very enjoyable.
We also ordered 2 rolls to share: calamari rolls and seared scallops rolls. We also wanted to try the sashimi, but I usually don't like to try raw fish at a new Japanese restaurant before it proves itself capable. Haru claims that their sushi is "aburi" style, lightly seared raw fish. My first experience with aburi was at Miku restaurant in Vancouver, and Haru's take on aburi was not as impressive. But enough of comparing Calgary Japanese restaurant with the Vancouver ones - different dining scenes, vastly different expectations.
I really didn't like the calamari rolls - they fell apart too easily and the calamari didn not went well with the rice and other ingredients. The scallop rolls were much better; seared shellfish on top of dried, sliced lotus roots with the same chopped up seafood chunks as the calamari rolls. I enjoyed the crunchiness and creativity that went into the creations. But I like El's Japanese Fusion's take on non-traditional rolls better.
All in all, we may go back for their cooked food (most Japanese restaurants nearby do not offer such selections), but I am not too impressed with their rolls.
Interestingly enough, we now have almost 10 Japanese restaurants within 15 mins of driving radius. I am in sushi heaven! This is my top 3 in terms of how I like their sushi ...
1) Sushi Miki - great selection of fish, Japanese chef
2) Momoyama Sushi - if I want a cheap meal or take-out, here's where I go. Reasonable freshness & gigantic portion size
3) Misato Sushi - good old faithful; dinner boxes are great; I also like how well made their rolls are - they don't fall apart easily. Way too busy - can't linger for long after finishing the food
Still like Zipang the best.
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El's Japanese Fusion
2008 33 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 1Z4, CA
Alaska king crabs and spot prawns in Calgary?
I searched through the board but I couldn't find any reference to king crabs and spot prawns in Calgary restaurants, just where to buy them fresh locally.
I am looking for suggestion where to go for seafood, preferably prepared the traditional Cantonese way. In Vancouver, there are many Chinese restaurants that will prepare Alaskan King crab a few different ways (e.g. crab legs steamed in garlic sauce, baked crab meats with rice on the shell, deep fried craws), and I am looking for a similar experience in Calgary.
Isn't it still spot prawns season?
SFO on Christmas Day and also 11 hours layover on a Saturday
Thanks everyone! I guess I'm a little too enthusiastic for my upcoming trip LOL. Just thought I will get a head start in my research. I will ask again in Dec.
SFO on Christmas Day and also 11 hours layover on a Saturday
I did a search on the board before posting, but I couldn't find what I was exactly looking for.
I'm looking for places to eat in San Francisco airport on Christmas Day morning inside the International terminal. What's open?
On the way back from Asia to Canada, I also have an 11 hours layover in San Francisco again on a Sat. Thinking of taking BART and checking out Ferry Building for breakfast and somewhere scenic for an early dinner, before heading back to the airport.
Suggestions please? I would prefer non-Asian food - somewhere causal and not too high end.
Thanks in advance.
Fruit/Veggie Carving Calgary?
Try Edible Arrangement. We got them for special occasions and it's always a hit. It tastes fresh too. http://www.ediblearrangements.com/ They have a few location in Calgary.
El's Japanese Fusion, Marda Loop (Cgy)
I was just there the past Sat and the Sat prior (I know, we liked it so much that we went 2 weekends in a row), no sign of closing ...
Green Chili NW Calgary now open
I really like the Macleod Trail location too. Prices are awesome you Nonlinear said and such big plate of yummy Butter Chicken!
We tried to go to the NW location on a Friday night, but couldn't get in without a reservation.
I have still yet to try the 17 Ave location.
Disappointed in Wa's: My old favourite in Calgary
I'm glad to hear that you had a good time at Wa's. I just feel that they have been inconsistent for the last few times that I have been.
We still like their Nagomi maki. We almost never order cooked food in Japanese restaurant, so I don't know how good Wa's Tempura and gyoza are.
My new favourite is Zipang - for the last half dozens time that I have been, the sushi has been consistently good, authentic and fresh. Since I almost always only order nigiri sushi, I can't comment on their rolls and cooked food either. My dining companions told me they are good though.
But I really enjoy Zipang's deluxe sushi combo (can't remember the name), which consists of uni, red tuna and raw prawn. They are also the only restaurant in Calgary that I know that deep fry their shrimp heads as snack ... sounds weird the first time I tried it, but it was like shrimp chips.
El's Japanese Fusion, Marda Loop (Cgy)
Does anyone know what their opening hours are? I tried calling 4 times today and yesterday, but no one picked up the phone. I'd like to try them on a weekend but I'm afraid that we may not get a table if I don't make a reservation.
Thanks in advance!
Your latest 'addiction'?
Natto - yeah, those sticky, slimey soy beans!
I eat them on toasts, rice, or by themselves. Just can't seem to stop.
I'm thinking about making my own batch. Has anyone made natto before?
Ah Chin & Unforgettable Chinese in Edmonton
I visited Unforgettable for brunch over the weekend and I figure I should report back to chowhound regarding our experience.
The building was in really bad shape, and if it weren't for the chowhound recommendation, we probably would have never gone in. Once inside though, the restaurant was bright and cozy. There's a regular Hong Kong cafe type menu and a list to order Dim-Sum. We tried both.
The dim-sum (shrimp dumplings and siu mai) were steamed fresh once ordered and they were quite good. Turnip cake was slightly soggy and not crispy enough, but overall I'm happy with the quality.
Assorted noodles were a little too oily for my taste, but my dining companions enjoyed the veggies, meat and seafood on top, and there were plenty to share. I ordered a bowl of beef stew noodles - when it arrived I couldn't believe the portion size - it was huge! Taste wise it was pretty standard fare.
The highlight of the meal was definitely dessert though. We ordered a manga pudding and tapioca pudding to share - the topioca pudding was baked inside a bowl, and it was hot, sweet and not too filling. My type of dessert. The manga pudding had chunks of fruits served with milk on top - very tasty and fresh as well. The best part was that the dessert was only $2.5 each, a true bargain!
The restaurant was not busy and the service was friendly and pleasant, a rarity among authetic Chinese restaurant. I would definitely return! Maybe next time we'll try their Canadianized menu like ginger beef and chicken balls with friends.
Calgary -fresh chicken livers?
Sometimes T&T Supermarkets have them. Or try Chinatown.
Ah Chin & Unforgettable Chinese in Edmonton
Thanks for the info, Felix. Saigon Garden sounds more like a Vietnamese restaurant than Cantonese, I'd give them a try next time.
Will try Unforgettable next weekend and report back later.
Ah Chin & Unforgettable Chinese in Edmonton
Has anyone been to either Ah Chin and Unforgettable Chinese restaurant in Edmonton lately?
We used to go Ah Chin but I heard that they have recently changed hands. How's food there now?
What about Unforgettable - is it pretty similar to the old Ah Chin quality and value-wise? How's their Dim Sum?
We like Golden Rice Bowl too, but not for its crazy dim-sum line-up system on the weekends. Good Buddy and Buddy Seafood - we were there 6 months ago, the food was decent, but nothing to write home about.
Vancouver old-school sushi
Still reading ... and taking notes. :)
I'll let you guys know where I ended up with. So many choices! Wish I live in Vancouver for the sushi alone.
Vancouver old-school sushi
The pictures look great!
I wonder if there's a restaurant like Sushi Hachi in Vancouver?
easter weekend in kelowna
Wonderful report, Pants! I'm looking forward to our trip to Kelowna. :) Already got a reservation to Quail's Gate Old Vines restaurant for lunch.
Vancouver old-school sushi
Blue Water is only 11 blocks away? It looks a lot further than that ...
I'll try going to Blue Water for the Fri night then. Thanks for the recommendation!
Vancouver old-school sushi
Hi Fmed and Qaw, thanks for your recommendation of Raw Bar, but since I don't have a car, I'd prefer somewhere that I can walk to ...
Any other suggestion?
Vancouver old-school sushi
Hi, I'm travelling to Vancouver solo next weekend, and I'm looking for a new sushi place to try in downtown. I'm staying at Hyatt Regency with no car.
I've already been to Miko, Yoshi and Hapa Izakaya. Though I like them all, I'm looking for an authetic, old-school Japanese restaurant near the hotel. For those who are curious to know, my favourite in Calgary is Zipang.
After doing some research on the board, I come up with the 2 choices:
1) Aki Japanese Restaurant
2) Okada Sushi
Which one is better for a solo diner who loves nigiri sushi?
PS: Will also check out Guu and some ramen places while there.
Thanks in advance!
easter weekend in kelowna
Has anyone been to Yellow House?
http://www.theyellowhouse.ca/
The Monday night specials look tempting.
What about Mamma Rosa?
Edmonton value dining
Thanks for the recommendation! We went to Matahari for dinner and they gave us a private dining room. The plating was beautiful (strawberries with curry? It's a new combination, but it works!), and food was plentiful and very tasty.
Green curry chicken was a bit too spicy for me even though I asked for mild favour, but everything was top notch.
Modern Wedding Cake - Edmonton
Try her: http://cakesbycandace.net/
I got tons of compliments for our wedding cake.
Golden Bell Saigon, 17th Ave SW, Calgary
I wonder if this is a chain of the restaurant on Macleod Trail across from Chinook Centre?
Sushi Club / Club Sushi - Calgary
I went there a couple of years ago for lunch. It was decent, but it didn't blow me out of the water.
I guess it's time for me to return!
Disappointed in Wa's: My old favourite in Calgary
I prefer more traditional sushi more as well. Fusion sushi is fine, and the Blowfish and Globefish in the world has their places in Calgary dining scene, but nothing beats a well-cut, fresh piece of toro nigiri sushi.
Disappointed in Wa's: My old favourite in Calgary
Wa's used to be my favourite sushi restaurant in Calgary. Not anymore, not after tonight's meal.
We used to go to Wa's all the times. However, after a dismayed birthday meal last year (it took them over an hour to serve us food), we haven't been back since.
We decided to give them another try to see things have improved since the drop of quality after their renovation.
The 4 of us ordered the unagi rolls, 2 nagomi maki (their assorted rolls), and a temaki sushi cones combo.
The unagi rolls were the best of the bunch. I remember they used to be melt in your mouth good though. Maybe there was too much sauce this time?
The nagomi maki on the other hand were bad. I found a huge bone inside one of the spicy tuna rolls, and the preparation was sloppy. It seemed like the chef was trying to rush the orders out. I didn't understand why though, the restaurant was only half full at 6pm, even though all the tables were reserved.
The temaki cones didn't impress me either; the tuna one didn't taste fresh and seemed fishy ... the quality overall was less than stellar.
I used to love Wa's. I had some very fond memories of the restaurant - but with so many better Japanese restaurants in Calgary nowadays, we probably will never return.
