toriffic. after living in cammeray for eigth years and driving straight past the unassuming little entrance at least serveral times a week, little did i know what i was missing out on.
as i walked through the front door i was warmly greeted in true japanese style by what i guess was every member of the staff and shown to my seat for what i later found out to be one the most outstanding feeding experiences at this level.
the waiter was friendly, knowledgeable, always smiling and made me feel most welcome. i was presented with the menu and specials board in which excited me beyond all comprehension with it's traditional and slightly unusual options - i want the lot!
i started with some fresh toro sushi. long, thick and generous strips of beautiful tuna belly lying on a little bed of well formed, well seasoned sushi rice, the way it should be and the complete opposite of those hideous, non traditional takeaway sushi holes that serve sushi with a shaving of aquatic matter sitting on top of some old crusty rice the size of ayres rock.
i asked the person next to me what dish they were attacking, the reply was baked cabbage. who eats baked cabbage? bring it to me i asked with a please. wow, what a delightful surprise and i urge anyone to try it.
port stephens white bait was next in the queue, larger than those delighful little new zealand modules however they are fantasic. a light, very crisp tempura batter constricting a fresh, plump and patient looking fish ready for dunking into a nicely balanced ponzu - highly satisfactory.
black rock cod arrives cooked two ways. one with sake and the other with miso, both of which do not come close to overpowering the flavour of the fish . i have never put anything so perfectly cooked in my mouth - this is a must have dish!
wagyu is next off the press and doesn't disappoint. a marbling score of 7, a little japanese sause which i should have enquired about and little blow torching brings this dish alive - a pleasure to eat and again so well balanced.
my adventure continued with another three dishes all of which were recieved with a standing ovation, if the noises that i was making while chewing were anything to go by one would assume that i was having a truly fine time.
toriciya is a must for anyone that likes a more traditional approach to japanese cuisine. their sake selection appears quite extensive however i am no sake expert. this is a hidden gem and in the words of the iron chef - 'bang the gong it is on'