Tag Archives: cheap

Momo Sushi on Robson

Click to add a blog post for Momo Sushi on ZomatoI was somewhat reluctant to go back to Momo after having not-so-pleasant experiences with the food quality at the other locations. But it opened up recently and still wanted to give it a chance, so off we went for dinner.

It’s a decent sized restaurant, about the same size as the one on Denman. Simple design, not much to say about the decor. The restaurant is busy with all tables occupied at all times we were there. It took the server quite a while before we had our orders taken but we kept ourselves amused by the numerous typos on the menu. The other locations always spelled ‘Negitoro’ as ‘Nigitoro’. But this place even spelled their own restaurant name wrong!! ‘Momo Shushi’.

I ordered Chicken Yakisoba and Sheepie had a special roll and avocado roll. We both got complimentary salads to start off with. Nothing different from the other Momo locations. The yakisoba was super greasy and the chicken was all fat and oil with the skin which I am not a fan of. I left most of it on the side. It’s always interesting to see traditional dishes being made by non-Japanese and left up to their interpretation on what yakisoba should have. This one had a slice of thin lemon in the middle and a mountain of gari (those pink ginger stuff that is suppose to come with sushi). But then again, Japan doesn’t even have California rolls – or most rolls that most of us has come accustomed to, so I guess it’s the way food changes as cultures merge. These additions (gari and lemon) to the yakisoba weren’t a bad thing. In fact, the gari is always nice to clear up one’s mouth, especially with the heavy sauce from the noodles.

The avocados in the avocado rolls were fresh and satisfactory.

idearabbit-momorobsonComplimentary Salad idearabbit-momorobson2Chicken Yakisoba idearabbit-momorobson3Avocado roll idearabbit-momorobson4

Sheepie mentioned that the prices were slightly higher than the other Momo, but that could be because it is located on pricey Robson. I would not order the yakisoba again, so I will stick to their sushi next time – if I ever do go back again.

I am sorry to pick on Momo but after having two food poisoning experience from two different locations, I had to look this location’s inspection up:

Lack of/Inadequate Food Safety Plan (# of observations = 1)

Inadequate Cooling and/or Refrigerated Storage of Potentially Hazardous Food(s)
(# of observations = 1)

A large amount of potentially hazardous food was being stored at room temperature. Imitation crab and cucumber being stored on the counter both measured 16 degrees C. Salmon sashimi measured 8.5 degrees C. The sushi display cooler was too warm. Tuna in the display case measured 10.5 degrees C. This is unacceptable. Potentially hazardous foods such as fish, sauces, cucumbers, etc. must be kept refrigerated at 4 degrees C or colder at all times. These foods may not be stored on the counter without refrigeration – not even during busy lunch or dinner periods. Refrigeration temperatures must be monitored throughout the day. Results must be recorded in a logbook. Immediate corrective action is required.

Inadequate Cooling and/or Refrigerated Storage of Potentially Hazardous Food(s)
(# of observations = 1)

Two deep containers of cooked chicken were being stored on the counter. Staff were adding freshly cooked hot chicken to previously cooled chicken. It is imperative that cooked foods be cooled very quickly. Do NOT pile foods too high. Transfer the contents of tall containers to shallow containers. If possible, stir the foods frequently to release heat energy. Hasten cooling by placing foods in an ice or water bath, or by using an ice wand. Do not cover foods until they have cooled sufficiently to be placed in a refrigerator and do not add warm foods to previously cooled foods. Immediate corrective action is required.

Inadequate Hot Holding of Potentially Hazardous Food(s) (# of observations = 1)

Cooked tempura measured 31 degrees C. This is not acceptable. Cooked foods must be maintained at 60 degrees C or hotter, or they must be cooled quickly and refrigerated at 4 degrees C or colder. Immediate corrective action is required.

Improper Cleaning, Sanitizing of Equipment and Utensils (# of observations = 3)

The rice scoop was being stored in a container of water at room temperature. This is not a safe food handling practice. Rice scoops and other utensils must be cleaned and sanitized after use or they must be stored in a manner that precludes bacterial growth – either at 4 degrees C or colder or at 60 degrees or hotter. Immediate corrective action is required. A cutting board was being stored so that its side was in direct contact with the floor. Many of the cutting boards were discolored. All cutting boards must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Subsequently they must be stored in a manner and location where they are protected from contamination. Cutting boards that have deep cuts that cannot be properly cleaned and sanitized must be replaced. Immediate corrective action is required.

Lack of/Inadequate Sanitation Plan (# of observations = 1)

Improper Construction/Maintenance/Sanitation of Establishment (# of observations = 7)

General sanitation in this establishment is poor and must be improved. All walls, shelves, cupboards and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned. The floor must be scrubbed clean. Special attention must be paid to areas that are hard-to-reach or dark, such as under, behind and between equipment and along walls. Curtains must be laundered. The shipping wrap must be removed from the dishwasher. The shelf over the 2 compartment sink must be replaced. The leaking plumbing under the 2 compartment sink must be repaired. The wheeled cart must be scrubbed clean. The walk-in cooler door must be thoroughly cleaned.

Food Handler Training (# of observations = 1)

 Taste: carrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot

Read other Momo locations:

QQ Sushi

Click to add a blog post for Q Q Sushi on ZomatoI decided to try out this Chinese-run sushi place only because it was close to my office. Sheepie had stopped going to it many years ago because of it’s poor quality and service.

I called them up so that I could take out without having to wait for my order during my short lunch break. The phone call was rude. I said I would like to take out the Box A. The lady said ok, and hung up. What the?

idearabbit-qqsushi1 When I got there there were only 2 tables occupied during the lunch hour. I know that Suika a block down was packed with lineups. It’s right on Broadway with other offices around, so it’s definitely not a bad location. However, there were 3 take-out customers in front of me, waiting at the till. They seemed unhappy, and one woman who made her transaction was waiting for the staff to give her the receipt, but seeing that the lady staff was busy and didn’t care – not even a thank you or anything, she waved with a ‘whatever’ gesture as the other customer smiled at her with a ‘yeah, don’t bother’ look.

The lady staff never smiled, in fact, she looked like she was at serving in a prison, ready to yell at anybody if they complained.

Everything was exposed, so I saw how the staff were preparing. There were 2 other men, one of whom was in charge of the sushi, while the other was busy with the other food and also picking up the phone. I saw several huge trays of already fried tempura, just sitting there out in the open. idearabbit-qqsushi2

The Box A $7.60 came with Chicken Teriyaki on rice, salad, miso soup, 6 piece California rolls and tempura. The tempura was of course not fresh. Slightly fried too much. The rice was a bit hard…Cali was ok. Salad was meh…some of the edges of the lettuce were brown…chicken teriyaki was hard.

Service was TERRIBLE. A disgrace. Food quality was poor. Will never return.

 Taste: carrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrot   Service:  carrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot

McDonald’s at Brentwood Mall

McDonald's on UrbanspoonYes, I avoided going to any fast food restaurants for several years, but Sheepie likes going there, so now I have the bug – only a little tiny one though. I only resort when I’m very low on fuel and don’t want to spend that much. I’m severely underweight, so a lot of calories is good news to me – but maybe not the cholesterol and all that – but, I rarely go. Again – it’s for my last resort.
And how can you go wrong with a burger for $1.39 (+taxes). Although comparing to Burger King’s Junior Chicken which is also the same price, I prefer BK. The BK chicken is juicier and thicker. The lettuce seems to be fresh and overall the burger tastes better.

idearabbit-mcdonald_brentwoodJunior Chicken Burger $1.39

The location at Brentwood is right by one of the entrances. The service is quick, and the interior is ok. However, due to the developments of the condos at the mall, this McDonald’s has closed down this year. However, you can always order the Junior Chicken at another location.

 Taste: carrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot