My first attraction to this new establishment at 988 St Laurent was the decor, not to mention the attractive hostess at the door. The decor is rich and luxuriant with strong wood overtones. The first impression is a small cozy dining area with large windows and post modern seating. Of particular interest is the large table in one corner that looks like it is cut from a large log..too cool. the wall hides a second room much larger that also houses the sushi bar. All in all what Chinatown needs a fresh clean place reminiscent of what you find in most cities in China versus the drab un-adorned and let's say it dirty establishments that now occupy most of this area. Where the quantity and low prices often trumps quality and care.
I visited the restaurant and spoke to the manager before I actually ate and he noted this Establishment is an extension of restaurants in Toronto. I have eaten at about 20 chinese restaurants in Toronto over the past years and they run the gamut of yuck to yummy. So on a rather dreary day I decided to try Yang's. It was early in the week and there were only a few patrons. I ordered a simple meal of Agedashi, Tempura soup and and a sushi dish from the menu.
I am not sure if this is true of all restos but there are always small tell tale signs of restos that try to be something they are not. In this case a very classy look overall but there on the front window written by hand on a colored paper was the daily special announcing meals starting at $8...why
It was also clear that the wait staff was unfamiliar with the profession. The food began appearing immediately and in no particular order. Dirty plates were not being removed etc...and glasses of water not refilled. All this with only 3-4 tables occupied.
I do not know all the customs of when soup is served , but when in doubt ask..the soup arrived between he tempura and the sushi plate.
Food Agedashi was OK and this is where a finer restaurant will distinguish itself, the tempura was actually good and generous with the shrimp still moist, unfortunately I ordered this dish for my companion not being a big fan of tempura. The soup a Udon that was shared was Ok although I found the broth to be flavored mainly with fat.
The sushi was well the same variety found in any fast food take out sushi place.
Overall it was not as memorable as expected.. As is my custom I will give this place another chance before I make my final decision on a hit or a miss.
I visited the restaurant and spoke to the manager before I actually ate and he noted this Establishment is an extension of restaurants in Toronto. I have eaten at about 20 chinese restaurants in Toronto over the past years and they run the gamut of yuck to yummy. So on a rather dreary day I decided to try Yang's. It was early in the week and there were only a few patrons. I ordered a simple meal of Agedashi, Tempura soup and and a sushi dish from the menu.
I am not sure if this is true of all restos but there are always small tell tale signs of restos that try to be something they are not. In this case a very classy look overall but there on the front window written by hand on a colored paper was the daily special announcing meals starting at $8...why
It was also clear that the wait staff was unfamiliar with the profession. The food began appearing immediately and in no particular order. Dirty plates were not being removed etc...and glasses of water not refilled. All this with only 3-4 tables occupied.
I do not know all the customs of when soup is served , but when in doubt ask..the soup arrived between he tempura and the sushi plate.
Food Agedashi was OK and this is where a finer restaurant will distinguish itself, the tempura was actually good and generous with the shrimp still moist, unfortunately I ordered this dish for my companion not being a big fan of tempura. The soup a Udon that was shared was Ok although I found the broth to be flavored mainly with fat.
The sushi was well the same variety found in any fast food take out sushi place.
Overall it was not as memorable as expected.. As is my custom I will give this place another chance before I make my final decision on a hit or a miss.
