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A smaller footprint would make izakaya-format success more likely, I think. Typical ones in Tokyo only hold 10-20 customers!
There's a place called Kuro at University + Albert that's calling itself an izakaya, serving cooked dishes, ramen, and some small plates. I went once shortly after it opened last July and wasn't hugely impressed but I'm kind of picky about Japanese food. Worth checking out if you have a craving for oyakodon or tonkatsu.

I still think a proper izakaya could work if done well here, but I can't blame Kinkaku for pivoting when they realized that 90% of the people walking in the door were expecting an AYCE sushi experience.
(05-18-2018, 09:31 AM)goggolor Wrote: [ -> ]There's a place called Kuro at University + Albert that's calling itself an izakaya, serving cooked dishes, ramen, and some small plates. I went once shortly after it opened last July and wasn't hugely impressed but I'm kind of picky about Japanese food. Worth checking out if you have a craving for oyakodon or tonkatsu.

Looking at the web site, Kuro looks like it might qualify as a "real izakaya". Still urban so I could take a bus home (and not have to limit my alcohol consumption). What did you find to be the issue with their food?
It felt kind of soul-less... they've obviously put a lot of money into the decor but not a lot of effort into the food, and the staff wasn't very knowledgeable. The Record review sums it up pretty well: https://www.therecord.com/whatson-story/...-waterloo/

It's not clear to me if any Japanese person is actually involved in the place either. Their misuse of the katakana in the name bugs me (why do you use a "ke" if your name starts with "ku"), and I don't think you should be allowed to call yourself an izakaya if you don't have shochu. But again... I'm picky... maybe they've worked some of this out since then but I haven't had the urge to go back.
Kuro's font I always read as "TURD", which throws me off everytime.

Coke
Thanks. Based on your comments and the Record review it's unfortunate … none of the dishes in the review are complex, and in Tokyo you would just assume they are done right, there is no need to seek out a special restaurant. Sad One can only hope that they have improved since then. (I'm personally not big on shochu, so that part I can overlook!)
Found this on Twitter - the liquor license application for 137 King St E is for "Izna Donburi House": https://twitter.com/samnabi/status/957276660646195200

I took a peak inside on Saturday, they're going for the rough-hewn wood aesthetic favored by many of the Toronto yakitori/izakaya spots. Cautiously optimistic on this one.
Also favoured by many izakayas in Japan. Smile
I have to throw out a recommendation out to Four All ice cream, at the corner of Cedar and Whitney (near Courtland and Stirling). Fabulous and creative ice cream in a small place tucked away in the courtyard of the old industrial building on Whitney Pl.
https://www.fourall.ca/

I love gelato but Four All's Thundering Espresso and Whiskey Caramel Pecan are superb, and worth the walk (or drive) to Whitney Pl.
(05-22-2018, 10:08 PM)tomh009 Wrote: [ -> ]I have to throw out a recommendation out to Four All ice cream, at the corner of Cedar and Whitney (near Courtland and Stirling). Fabulous and creative ice cream in a small place tucked away in the courtyard of the old industrial building on Whitney Pl.
https://www.fourall.ca/

I love gelato but Four All's Thundering Espresso and Whiskey Caramel Pecan are superb, and worth the walk (or drive) to Whitney Pl.

Thanks for the recommendation .   I will be checking it out this weekend with this kids. Close to Victoria Park too.
I think Legacy Greens also carries Four All.
(05-23-2018, 10:27 AM)panamaniac Wrote: [ -> ]I think Legacy Greens also carries Four All.

Four All has been working on their distribution network. They mentioned that the Caribbean place at the market also carries their ice cream, though I haven't tried it yet.
(05-23-2018, 10:06 AM)Watdot Wrote: [ -> ]Speaking of Four All...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQAhym2_asQ

Great video...
J&P also carries Four All.