Tag Archives: grill

Gyu King Teppanyaki

Gyu Japanese Teppanyaki on UrbanspoonSheepie and I were walking through downtown and saw the sandwich board for their restaurant on the sidewalk. It was on the second floor, so I guess that’s why they have the sandwich board – otherwise, we would have never known that the restaurant was up there.

I saw other reviews complaining about the portions for the price, so I was prepared in getting not much in terms of quantity, so I was looking for quality and entertainment- as the chef would grill the food right in front of you. Not that I am saying that the chef is entertainment, but it’s not every restaurant you get to see the chef prepare the food right in front of you.

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The 3 sauces. The other plate on the grill is where the chef will place the grilled food for you.idearabbit-gyuking3 idearabbit-gyuking4

I ordered the Scallops $13.95.  Yes, I think there were 8 pieces which we split amongst both of us. Sheepie ordered the Economy Value $28.50 which included a tiny bowl of salad, miso soup, salmon steak, prawn, squid, chicken, pork, assorted veggies and one small bowl of rice, all of which we shared.

If you’re in a hurry. Do not go to this place. There is one chef for our side of the grill which had Sheepie and I, with another group of 4 people. She made one or two item at a time with breaks in between where she would leave, so it took a really long time for us to dine. Also, if you’re not into sitting beside strangers while eating, this may not be the place either. Everyone sits around the grill together, so unless you’re sitting in between people you know, expect to be seated with strangers – which isn’t a bad thing. But perhaps not a place to discuss confidential or private topics.

I’ve read about some people complaining the chefs not talking but I didn’t mind about that part. I guess it would have been more entertaining and lively, but I guess I’m used to ‘quiet’ service coming from Japan. So that wasn’t a bother.

Indeed the portions were quite small, but the taste was good. You see them using a lot of butter with everything so definitely is not healthy…I actually would have preferred them without butter and the sauce to dip would have been quite enough. Sheepie was shocked to hear that our dinner service has ended, even though I had told him at the beginning of how I had read reviews of the small portions.

I didn’t find the service rude or anything. They took my coat to a closet, and since I didn’t want it smelling like oil and grill, I gladly handed over the coat to the server. They kept coming back often to refill our tea cup. I find the service quite satisfactory.

The taste/flavour was pretty good. There were 3 choices for sauces for the grilled food. I mainly stuck with the teriyaki bulgogi-like sauce. Again, too much use of butter in all their grilling for me. The rice was only half cooked. Blah.

Would I ever come back again? Probably not, mainly for the price. So unless I can get a really good deal on Groupon or something. I don’t see myself returning paying over $50 for something that was more in the $30 range.

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Gyu-kaku

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ on UrbanspoonBeen to this Japanese-run BBQ restaurant several times and the food always surprised me with their good flavour and unique dishes. They have a grill in the middle of the table so that you can grill your meat just the way you like it, and fresh too! Amazingly, the have locations in many Asian countries, cities in the US -  from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, New York, California, Singapore, Indonesia, Hawaii and more

 

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Many of the staff are Japanese, and when they are explaining things to you, they will always crouch down so that they are even lower than you sitting. This may come off very awkward. I find it awkward. But perhaps because back in Japanese culture, you were not allowed to have your head higher than your superior. That may be so, but fast forward to 2013, and I feel like I am like a toddler with a babysitter crouching down in front of me so our eye level would be the same. I don’t necessary feel it a privileged…and I’m Japanese! Ok…so I grew up here in Canada…

Onto the food… first of all, the Spicy Tuna Volcano $7.45 is my favourite! It’s 4 pieces of deep fried rice with spicy tuna and negi (green onions) on top – like sushi.

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Yes, it’s not the healthiest food but it is a must try. It’s very different – that’s what I like about it. Can’t find it anywhere else – at least so far. The rice is crispy on the outside, hot inside. The tuna is cold and the fresh negi is a great combination. Thumbs up!

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My company ordered Fried Cheese Wonton $3.95. Dumplings with cheese in them! It reminded me of perogies, but fried. Another unhealthy choice. The sauce that came with it went really well. He also ordered Kim-Chee $3.45. Very good.

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Beef Garlic Noodles: Egg noodles stir fried with beef in Garlic BBQ sauce $7.95. This comes in the typical Korean hot stone bowl dolsot  (돌솥) The bowl is very hot and rice or noodles usually are sizzling for minutes. Strong garlic taste. Mmmmmm! I love garlic! Not good for close encounters though! lol

The BBQ is great. You get different dipping sauces so you never get bored. There’s a big selection of different types of meat and vegetables. I’m usually not a meat-eating person, but this is good! Good meat, great sauces. Warning – you will smell like you’ve been to a BBQ afterwards! lol.

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It’s always full and the atmosphere is hustling and bustling. On warm summer days, you can eat out on the patio – great way to BBQ~. Like many restaurants like Ebisu and Kamei Royale, Gyu-kaku has a happy hour from 11:30am to 6pm. You can get great deals, so try it out!

 

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