Known for its fresh, made-to-order sushi hand rolls, Hello Nori delivers a casual yet modern dining experience that feels welcoming and refined. Whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch, winding down after work, or satisfying a night-time craving, this spot fits hits just right.

At Hello Nori, the hand rolls are the star of the show—crafted right in front of you and served one at a time, ensuring every bite is as fresh as possible. The magic lies in the details: warm, perfectly seasoned sushi rice, the crispest nori (no soggy seaweed here!), and ultra-fresh fish. The nori is a standout—just the right thickness to deliver that satisfying crunch in every single bite. Ingredients are sourced according to what is in season.

The menu is simple, elegant, and curated with purpose. No overwhelming menu—just a thoughtful selection of the freshest items that lets each ingredient shine. The drink menu complements this philosophy, offering a balance of sake, cocktails, mocktails, and teas that pair beautifully with the food. Try the Lychee Berry “Chu-hi” made with exotic fruits and berries. The Peach Pafekuto made with white peach nectar and lavender syrup is worth trying as well. Both can be made with alcohol or without.

An order sheet listing the day’s fresh fish offerings is placed at every seat at the “bar”. Typically, three to five hand rolls are a good place to start—but be warned: they’re addictive! Take your time, savour each one, and don’t miss out on the Aburi Oshi (pressed sushi) or a comforting bowl of miso soup. Prefer something lighter? Their sashimi is equally delicious, perfect for those who prefer to skip the rice.

A highlight not to be missed is the house “Hello Sake”. It’s served in a sake cup with the generous overflowing pour that lands into a wooden box—Hello Nori’s way of wishing you a life of abundance. It’s a heartfelt touch, and yes, the sake is served cold and very good. You’ll also find a well-rounded selection of other sake options, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.

During Sakura season, look out for special menu additions, including a beautifully curated Sakura Bento set available for takeout and delivery. It’s perfect for a hanami picnic—gathering with friends surrounded by the cherry blossoms and sharing a delicious moment under the trees.

Hello Nori is located at 648 King Street West and 70 York Street. Note: no reservations are accepted! It’s on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Mount Afuri is known for its pristine waters and considered a sacred mountain where harvested locally farmed ingredients are revered. The first AFURI Ramen kitchen was located at the base of the mountain. Their reputation quickly grew with local and international ramenheads.  David Chang (Momofuku) praised AFURI for their innovative take on the popular dish.

In 2016, AFURI opened their first location outside of Japan and the first AFURI ramen + dumpling the following year. Today, they have 30 locations throughout Asia, North America and Europe. On July 2, AFRURI ramen + dumpling opened its first location in Toronto. Two other locations in Canada include Vancouver and Richmond, BC.

What makes Afuri so special?

Firstly, the noodles and the broth are made fresh daily. Noodles are handcrafted methodically and meticulously using a proprietary mix of flours including ones from Japan. This, they tell us, gives the noodles their uniqueness in taste. Noodles are thin-cut, then boiled, shaken and finally folded carefully into the broth. Part of what is also unique is the brand’s belief in transparency. They want their customers to see how each bowl of noodles is created. The prep kitchen and noodle room are in full view. And the broth pot is the biggest we’ve ever seen!

When you take a look at AFURI’s menu, you’ll notice that yuzu plays an important part to the flavour profile on their signature dishes. Considered the crowning glory of Japanese citrus fruits, yuzu sets this ramen shop apart from the others. It adds a light hint of delicious freshness to the bowl of soup noodles.  Their yuzu fruit is imported from traditional farmers in Kochi, Japan.

Their chashu (pork) is hand-rolled and slow-cooked in house. Then, it’s thick-sliced and grilled to order. Then, their chi-yu (chicken oil) is infused with aromatics is an integral part of their chicken broth.

Also, the noodle bowls were made specifically for Afuri. Each one is hand-painted by artisans with their signature blue and white colours. Each one depicts Mount Afuri through delicate brush strokes.

So, what should you order?

Generally, I tell people to order the restaurant’s signature dish. It’s always a great place to start. Yuzu Shio Ramen is what Afuri began with. We learned they created this for health-conscious diners in mind and without any artificial ingredients — no colouring agents, artificial preservatives, or synthetic flavour enhancers.

If you’re ready to jump to something more, then go for the Yuzu Ratan. The menu says it’s a bit spicy but I didn’t find it spicy at all. But my tolerance for spice is good. If you haven’t tried tsukemen (dipping noodles) here’s your chance. You can order it cold or warm. The Yuzu-Tsuyu is what we had.

Also, be sure to try their Winged Buta Gyoza. We were told to be sure to enjoy that the moment it lands on your table to experience the slight crunch before sinking into the pillowy dumpling.

During the summer, the watermelon salad is refreshing and a great palate cleanser. Chicken Karaage fans will be excited for their version as well but you might want to try the Ikageso (squid) karaage as well as the Takoyaki octopus balls.

Their in-house drinks are special even the non-alcoholic ones. We LOVED their house made Ginger soda and Suika Soda. But they do have an extensive beer and cocktail program.

AFURI ramen + dumpling is located at 411 Church Street in Toronto.

The post Japan’s famous AFURI ramen + dumpling opens in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Chotto Matte’s patio is the city’s Garden of Eden. Enter for through the outdoor walkway and exhale as your eyes feast on a slice of paradise. No worries if the skies look like rain, the tall ceilings of Brookfield Place offers protection from any passing showers – hey, it is Toronto after all. We’re use to sudden rain  but we know they won’t last long!

The Jungle Brunch offering happens each Saturday  on the patio during the summer or as long as the season will allow. And let’s just say it’s not your typical brunch findings! The menu here offers some of the restaurants fan favourites that will please all your senses.

Colourful “small plates” include stunning Nikkei sashimi, spicy tuna crispy rice, highly addictive bbq edamame, and tender morsels of beef fillet tataki style.

Then move onto the mains where you can select the entree of your choice. The Asado de Tira (slow cooked braised beef over purple potato puree) is melt in your mouth savoury good and we also shared the Sushi Doughnut Aburi with Chili, Miso and Yuzu marinade. Also on the menu are entrees that will please every foodlover from fish to vegetable tempura and chicken (pollo picante). The Chuleta de Cordero Ahumada (marinated and smoked lamb chops) looked and smelled incredible as it was brought to another table. A little too heavy for us the day we went but we’ll return to try that dish another time.

The menu also offers up a choice of sides – the Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian fried rice) is delicious and the Yucca Cassava Fries won’t disappoint along side the smoked panca dip!  And each brunch finishes with a chef’s selection of desserts.

What many already rave about is the Jungle Brunch Cocktail program. Diners can select one of the cocktails (or Prosecco, beer, or wine also available) and it is unlimited!

We mentioned this is an immersive brunch experience! In addition to exploring the delicious menu, you’ll also be treated to various performers including dancers and acrobats. Exotic animals come and visit you at your table safely with their handlers and the house DJ keeps the groove happening all afternoon.

And how have they adapted to the city’s safe dining protocols? Even as restrictions ease up, staff are still required to wear masks at all times. Patrons can remove their masks when not dining at their table. COVID 19 questionnaire must be completed at the entrance (QR scan code offers up the questionnaire).  The menu is offered via QR scan code at the table as well. Staff also came by often to wipe down the table.

If you’ve been to the restaurant pre-covid, you’ll also notice now that all dishes are brought to your table. Previously, patrons could help themselves at chef stations to smaller plates during the brunch.

So, who’s this for? Jungle Brunch is fun for couples, friends, family, even kids (minus the cocktail program of course). Lots of camera worthy moments!

Price is $60 per person OR $110 per person with cocktail program. Reservations recommended, book here.

The post Escape to Chotto Matte’s tropical Jungle Brunch experience appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

As a way to get your Nikkei fix during this time, Chotto Matte has created a new Take-Out and Delivery menu available via Uber Eats, Door Dash and Skip The Dishes. The menu can be accessed from 4:00pm-9:00pm EST, Monday through Saturday, with lunch service on Wednesdays only for #TakeOutDay.

They have also launched a new charitable component via Skip The Dishes where one can Buy A Meal for a Front-Line Worker for $30.00. For every meal purchased, Chotto Matte will match it with a second meal for free. Allowing a frontline worker to get a meal for 2 for free!

If you live close by, or are willing to drive to pick up, takeout orders receive 20% off. A wine list is also offered for pickup.

Some of the items we included in our takeout were Chotto Ceviche, Nikkkei Sashimi, Arroz Chuafa, Nasu Miso, Pollo den miso and Calabacin a la parilla.

You can take a look at the menu here.

As patios start to open with new strict social distancing guidelines, Chotto Matte now offers a great outdoor dining experience that runs from Monday to Wednesday 4pm-10pm and Thursday to Saturday 4pm-11pm.

The patio is huge, boasting 3000 sq ft. with views of the CN tower, their 200 exotic plants sand seating for 130 guests.

For more information, please visit the Chotto Matte website.

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There was just something different about him from anyone else I had ever met. He expressed an atmosphere of freedom and was always the traveler. Masa could always finish any task in a minute, and I was always jealous of that ease and intelligence. After university, he was ready to go new places, meet new people and learn new things. That curiosity and experience has had a profound influence on his life and creativity.

Masa is most proud of his work as the producer of YAMATO, the Drummers of Japan. He composes all the music, choreographs the drummers’ movement and even gets involved in lighting design, sound design and costume design. Masa creates a new program every two years which always impresses me as I know it is intense, hard work, but he always put his very best energy into everything he does, and the results are astonishing. As his family, we are so pleased to be with him and to be a part of his audience.

– Written by Masa’s wife Chisako Ogawa

What ‘hood are you in?

I live in a small village called Asuka-mura in Nara Prefecture. Asuka-mura is believed to be the birthplace of Japanese culture. I feel the power from this place and get such energy from here.

What do you (Yamato) do?

We perform Japanese Taiko drumming all over the world.

We have given 4,000 performance in 54 countries over the last 26 years.

What are you currently working on?

We are currently on a 40-city tour of North America this winter and spring so I am busy with writing music, directing and choreographing the show.

Where can we find your work?

We recently performed YAMATO’s Taiko drumming on Friday, January 24th at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. Find out more about Yamato’s history and where to see us at www.yamatodrummers.com.

2/8/2020       –       Rochester, NY          –          Nazareth College Arts Center

2/9/2020       –       Ithaca, NY           –             Bailey Hall at Cornell University

2/11/2020      –      Erie, PA             –              Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center

2/13/2020      –      Buffalo, NY          –           Buffalo State Performing Arts Center

The post “A Day in the Life” with Japanese Taiko drummer Masa Ogawa appeared first on Toronto Guardian.