"This 3-year-old Japanese snack and sake bar hides in plain sight, maintaining the name, facade, and signage of the Chinatown flower and gift shop that once stood in its place. Inside, you’ll find a dimly lit, wood-paneled space, complemented by a reliably on-point soundtrack and food offerings prepared by chef Tetsuya Shimizu. You’ll want to try the sea urchin cream with shrimp chips, the meticulous chirashi bowl, the three-day miso-aged duck, and the tantan udon: wheat noodles slicked with chili oil and mixed with ground pork. Pair your meal with a selection from the sake menu, which leans towards natural and unfiltered varieties. To extend your evening, venture downstairs to sibling vinyl bar Sans Soleil." - Valerie Silva
Vincent Castonguay
