Swapped things around and did the quick turnaround after work and got the boat over this morning to shop till I drop, offer some crisp high fives and enjoy the park Victoria app. Dropped some coin in the CoV today. You’re welcome.
Most importantly we came over to celebrate my kids birthday and enjoy dinner at Toro sushi. New to us, open for a little while - couple of years? I’m not sure. Used to be a different Japanese restaurant in the same space I don’t think I ever went to. I discovered it was owned by a former chef at Nori in Nanaimo (which is a real destination restaurant for many) and it jumped to the top of the list. Reservation made, off we went. Handy parking in the view st. parkade across the street. Two hours exactly, five bucks with the app, a no brainer.
Arrived, the place is really nice and lots of neon and other cool light art. Stopped to check out the open kitchen, looks good. It felt like they didn’t want me hanging out there.
One of our party was literally shouldered out of the way by a door dash driver on the way to our table.
Menu is huge and looks really great, and we went to town. Some of the food was truly excellent, like the fresh uni, and some of it was not, like the silly a5 wagyu nigiri, comes out on this tray with a smoked filled cloche, the server was clearly waiting for me to do something, but I didn’t know what. After a few awkward seconds, he said “don’t you want to take a video?” Not really, but whatever so my wife took out her phone I think.
After ordering food we tried to order drinks, but were rebuffed. Big crowd at the door, food to run, he was getting the stare from a few people I think. No matter, he said he would be right back for drinks but never did come. Food started coming out quickly and we were actually quite happy with water as it turns out. Probably the best result for us, but he missed out on likely $50 in sales and $10 in grat, which surprised me because he was wicked on the food upsell.
Service was wonky, some mistakes were made and not rectified, and food was expensive but excellent quality. Service mistakes to be forgiven as they were slammed and short staffed. I feel that.
Edited by Matt R., 27 March 2024 - 12:15 AM.