Craving for Japanese food with fresh Canadian produce but stuck in Vancouver on a cold wintry night? Derek showed us how to 'live it up' by treating us to a huge feast at Tora Renbo Japanese Restaurant in Richmond.
The gorgeous skyline against a beautiful sunset as we headed into Richmond for dinner.
Our tired jet-lagged bodies originally made for humid Singapore weather were slowly icing up so Derek, the ever-so-attentive host drove us to his favourite Japanese restaurant for dinner.
No one was really in the mood for food, except Derek. What we needed was not cold sushi, but a warm fireplace and hot tea. The restaurant was a small wooden shack located right in the middle of Richmond. Like typical Japanese restaurants, it was a small and cram space being able to accomodate not more than 30 diners. As all four of us snuck to the ladies for short break, Derek called the shots, ordering a plethora of his favourite dishes.
Once again, this turned out to be a case of "never doubt Derek". As soon as copious dishes of China ware descended upon our table with a loud 'clang', my appetite returned.
Dragon Roll - its like a california roll topped with guava slices and egg roe.
I'm not a big fan of sushi rolls, but these were god-like and so very very fresh that I could not help but devour slightly more than my share!
Mango rolls - these sweeter rolls are also very good! Topped with delicious slices of mango and stuffed with your typical california roll ingredients these also turned out to be very refreshing.
The toufu - which was up to scratch
Clam Sakamuchi - Clams cooked in Sakae. If you like the taste of Sake, this is for you! The clams were SO FRESH!
Unagi Oroshini: this was the winner of the night. I never had unagi cooked this way before (in a tempura style) and when dug out a portion for myself, I was surprise.
Salmon belly sashimi: The name itself has me jumping up and down in my pants! Salmon belly is LOVE <3 Due to popular demand, we had to order two servings of this. And I must say, the Canadians here are a lot more generous with the portions than back in Singapore and Japan. Salmon Belly in Asia is like a priced caviar that may only be doled out in small quantities for very exorbitant prices - there were at least 8 pieces of Salmon Belly for each serving and for only 15 dollars!
We had a plate of assorted tempura (not featured) and this one (purple yam tempura). Both were also very good, and not oily at all.
Gyoza
Squid - once again, VERY GOOD! It was barbecued and then served with a light soy sauce.
2 servings of yakitori. This arrived last, and although it was very good, my stomach was packed full and I could only help myself to one stick.
Complimentary ice-cream. Derek chose the black sesame version, but I went for the traditional green tea ice-cream which turned out to be a great choice: very milky and buttery!
I expected a frightfully expensive bill. A dinner (of this quality and quantity) like this in Singapore would have cost almost double this amount! These prices certainly sealed the deal for me. I'll be back, Tararenbo with my entire Chinese clan, friends and of course dearest G.
Tora Renbo
8191 Park Road
Richmond, BC, Canada
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