#FOOD: SPRING 2025 MENU OFFERINGS FROM MINAMI, MIKU, ABURI TORA, ABURI SUSHI, AND ABURI HANA

As Toronto blossoms, food lovers can look forward to unforgettable culinary moments that perfectly capture the essence of spring.

MINAMI
IG. @minamitoronto
225 King St. W

Minami Toronto invites guests to celebrate spring with an exclusive Ikebana class and lunch on April 5 and May 10 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Each event features a guided Ikebana workshop led by renowned floral artist Aya Sugino, followed by Minami’s meticulously curated Lunch Gozen Set and a feature cocktail crafted with Valley of Mother of God’s award-winning Canadian dry gin. Tickets are priced at $150 (plus taxes and gratuity) and can be purchased HERE.

The Experience Includes:
•Ikebana Workshop – A guided floral arrangement session with all materials provided, including instruction, vase, and floral décor.
•Minami’s Signature Lunch Gozen Set – Featuring a premium sushi selection and a choice of main protein.
•Feature Cocktail – A handcrafted cocktail featuring Valley of Mother of God’s award-winning Canadian dry gin.

Gozen Lunch Menu:
•Choice of ONE main protein
•Chicken Nanban, Beef Sukiyaki, Aburi Chicken, Atlantic Salmon, Vegetarian option available
•Choice of Sushi selection
Aburi Salmon Oshi (2pc), Aburi Chutoro Nigiri (1pc), Aburi Aka Ebi Nigiri (1pc), Aburi Madai Nigiri (1pc)
•Choice of Side (select one)
Miso soup, Broccolini goma-ae,Salmon Tatsuta-age, Agedashi tofu, Three seasonal kobachi side dishes
•Dessert
Coconut panna cotta

These events blend the art of Japanese floral arrangement with an exquisite culinary experience, offering guests a unique way to welcome the season. Seating is limited, secure your spot today and purchase tickets HERE.

MIKU
IG. @mikutoronto
10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto welcomes the arrival of cherry blossom season with a limited-time Sakura Kaiseki Tasting Menu, available exclusively from April 1 to 30 during dinner service. Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Junnosuke Fujikawa and featuring a show-stopping dessert by Pastry Chef Glenda San Jose, this elegant seven-course menu captures the beauty of spring through refined Japanese techniques and premium seasonal ingredients. Priced at $175 per person, the multi-course dining experience offers a harmonious journey through delicate textures, bold flavours, and artful presentations, showcasing the best of Miku’s signature Aburi-style cuisine with springtime flair. Reserve your table HERE.

Cherry Blossom Menu Includes:
•Amuse: Wagyu Tartare Monaka with Canadian Acadian Caviar and Gold Flake
•Sashimi: Chef’s selection of traditional & Aburi-style sashimi
•Appetizer Selection: Smoked Hotaru Ika, Clam Dashimaki, Sous Vide Quebec Duck
•Fish: Sakura Dai with Sakura Ebi Surinagashi & Shiso Tempura
•Sushi: A curated selection including Foie Gras Oshi and Aged Sawara Nigiri
•Beef: A5 Awaji Wagyu Sukiyaki Style with Sakura Salt & Kinome Miso
•Dessert: Sakura Bavarois with Matcha Chocolate Ganache & Coconut Ice Cream

This is a limited-time experience, available only during the month of April. Reserve your table HERE to celebrate the season with this unforgettable cherry blossom dining experience.

ABURI TORA
IG. @aburitoratoronto
3401 Dufferin St. (Yorkdale Shopping Centre)

Aburi TORA at Yorkdale welcomes spring early in North York, with a cherry blossom-themed menu created in collaboration with MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa and TORA’s Head Chef Young Son. Available for a limited time from March 4 to May 31, the menu highlights five new dishes crafted with fresh, premium ingredients like Hokkaido scallops, Sakura shrimp, and cherry sea bream. Inspired by the beauty of Cherry Blossom season, this special offering blends seasonal flavours with Japanese culinary traditions, showcasing TORA’s signature Aburi-style sushi alongside elevated spring-inspired ingredients. Guests are invited to indulge in this exclusive dining experience, available for dine-in only. Visitors are encouraged to check Aburi TORA’s website for the latest restaurant hours before planning their visit.

The Aburi TORA Sakura Menu includes:
•Sakura Dai Carpaccio ($18) – Cherry Sea Bream, Strawberry Radish, Yellow Beet, Green Onion, Benitate, Amazu Sauce
•Sakura Dai Kobujime ($4.50) – Konbu-cured Cherry Sea Bream, Japanese Plum Sauce, Seaweed Chip
•Aburi Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri ($9) – Aburi-style Flame-seared Hokkaido Scallop, Sakura Shrimp, Avocado Saikyo-miso Sauce
•Sakura Mochi ($6.50) – Red Bean Paste, Cherry Rice Mochi, Pickled Cherry Blossom Leaf
•Sakura Cola ($4)

Don’t miss the chance to experience this limited-time Cherry Blossom menu at Aburi TORA, where tradition meets innovation in every bite. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Aburi-style sushi or discovering it for the first time, this seasonal offering promises an unforgettable dining experience. Visit Aburi TORA at Yorkdale to celebrate the beauty of spring through this special menu.

ABURI SUSHI
IG. @aburisushi.toronto
50 Brant St.

Aburi Sushi at Waterworks Food Hall in Toronto is launching a refreshed lunch menu on April 1, 2025, featuring premium Oshi sushi, sushi bowls, and curated lunch sets. Additionally, Aburi Sushi will host an exclusive one-night dining event featuring MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa of Aburi Hana on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with seatings at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Guests will experience an 8-course tasting menu for $120 (plus taxes and gratuity), showcasing Chef Nakagawa’s refined Kyō-Kaiseki culinary artistry and premium ingredients such as Nova Scotia Lobster and Japanese A5 Wagyu. Reservations can be made HERE.

New Waterworks Lunch Menu:

Oshi Sushi (Pressed Sushi, 6 pieces each) | $22 each

•Salmon Oshi, Ebi Oshi

•Saba Oshi

•Spicy Salmon Oshi

•Spicy Tuna Oshi

•Hamachi Oshi

Bowls (served with Miso Soup & Tsukemono pickles)

•Salmon Avocado Bowl | $19.50

•Unagi Bowl | $19.50

•Kaisen Chirashi Bowl (Premium Seafood Selection) | $29

•Seafood Poke Bowl | $17.50

•Tofu Poke Bowl (Vegetarian) | $17

Garden Select (Vegetarian-friendly Sets served with Miso Soup)

•Traditional Sushi Selection (6pc Nigiri, Negitoro Maki) | $29

•Garden Roll Set (5pc Garden Roll, 2pc Inari, 2pc Veg Nigiri) | $16

•Aburi Set (3pc Aburi Nigiri, 4pc Aburi Oshi) | $27

•Sashimi Lunch Set (8pc Sashimi with Rice) | $29

Temaki Handroll Sets (served with Miso Soup)
•Waterworks Lunch Temaki Set (4pc: Spicy Tuna, Salmon Oshi, Chopped Scallop, Negitoro) | $26.50

•Aburi Lunch Temaki Set (5pc: Real California, Spicy Salmon Oshi, Spicy Tuna Oshi, Negitoro, Salmon Avocado) | $31.50

Appetizers

•Salmon Crudo | $16

•Hamachi Crudo | $18

•Edamame | $4.50

•Miso Soup | $3.80

•Gomaae (Sesame Spinach Salad) | $6

•Hosomaki also available.

Chef Nakagawa’s 8-Course Menu:

•Maguro Monaka: Chef Ryusuke Nagakawa’s signature dish, a delicate wafer filled with Bluefin Tuna

•Hamachi Nanbanzuke: Marinated Yellowtail with Komochi Kombu Ohitashi

•Chopped Scallop Temaki: Fresh scallop handroll wrapped in crisp nori

•Cherry Clam Shinjo / Hotaru Ika Owan: Cherry clam fish cake and firefly squid soup

•Salmon Oshi Temaki: Pressed salmon sushi handroll with signature sauce

•Maguro Flower: Signature aged Bluefin Tuna rose (akami and chutoro)

•Real California Temaki: Fresh crab, avocado, and cucumber handroll

•Wagyu Roasted Beef: Seared Japanese A5 Wagyu with rich umami flavour

Whether you’re looking for an elevated lunch experience or an exclusive culinary evening with a MICHELIN-starred chef, Aburi Sushi at Waterworks Food Hall offers unforgettable ways to celebrate the flavours of spring.

ABURI HANA
IG. @hanayorkville
102 Yorkville Avenue

Aburi Hana, Yorkville’s MICHELIN-starred Kyō-Kaiseki restaurant, celebrates spring with a new seasonal tasting menu by Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa. Blending centuries-old Kyoto traditions with a modern sensibility, the multi-course experience showcases the season’s finest ingredients, transformed into a refined progression of delicate flavours and elegant presentations. Reservations for the spring menu are now available HERE, with reservations for May and June opening on April 15 at 4:00 PM EST.
Inspired by the principle of kodawari—a deep dedication to craft and quality. Chef Nakagawa draws from his rich culinary journey and presents a menu rooted in tradition yet elevated with contemporary flair. Each course reflects his signature artistry, offering an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience that captures the fleeting beauty of spring.

Menu:

•Owan | Hamaguri Wakame – A light, aromatic opening course that awakens the palate.
•Maguro Flower – This is chef Ryusuke Nagakawa’s signature dish, a striking presentation of bluefin tuna, elegantly shaped into a delicate floral arrangement.
•Unagi Takesumi – Grilled freshwater eel, capturing the essence of fire and earth.
•Wagyu Hagobo – A deeply savoury dish featuring premium wagyu, slow-cooked to perfection.
•Grand Dessert – A seasonal finale, complemented by a delicate Petit Four featuring Haru Cabbage Choux and Ichigo Milk Bonbon.

For guests dining in the private dining rooms, select courses will be seamlessly combined to enhance the flow of the experience:

Sakizuke | Take no Ko I-dako and Course Shinogi | O’toro & Caviar Sushi Monaka.
Hassun | Kamo Foie Gras and Sunomono | Lobster Komochi Kombu.

Aburi Hana’s spring Kaiseki menu is available for a limited time during the restaurant’s opening times. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. Reserve your spot to try the spring menu HERE.

#FOOD: ABURI TORA PRESENT CHERRY BLOSSOM MENU

ABURI TORA at Yorkdale is welcoming spring early in North York with a Cherry Blossom-themed menu created in collaboration with MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa and TORA’s Head Chef Young Son. Available for a limited time from March 4 to May 31, 2025 the menu highlights five new dishes crafted with fresh, premium ingredients like Hokkaido scallop, Sakura shrimp, and cherry sea bream. Inspired by the beauty of Cherry Blossom season, this special offering blends seasonal flavors with Japanese culinary traditions, showcasing TORA’s signature Aburi-style sushi alongside elevated spring-inspired ingredients. Guests are invited to indulge in this exclusive dining experience, available for dine-in only. Visitors are encouraged to check ABURI TORA’s website for the latest restaurant hours before planning their visit.

In Japan, Cherry Blossom season marks the arrival of spring, when cherry blossoms bloom across the country, symbolizing renewal and the fleeting beauty of life. This cherished tradition is celebrated with hanami, the practice of gathering under the blossoms to appreciate their beauty, often accompanied by seasonal foods. Similarly, Toronto welcomes its own Cherry Blossom season in late April to early May, drawing visitors to scenic spots like High Park for their own hanami celebrations. Inspired by this tradition, TORA is showcasing its signature Aburi-style sushi with limited-time creations that capture the essence of spring, offering guests a taste of Japan’s most celebrated season.

The TORA Sakura Menu includes:
–Sakura Dai Carpaccio ($18) – Cherry Sea Bream, Strawberry Radish, Yellow Beet, Green Onion, Benitate, Amazu Sauce
–Sakura Dai Kobujime ($4.50) – Konbu-cured Cherry Sea Bream, Japanese Plum Sauce, Seaweed Chip
–Aburi Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri ($9) – Aburi-style Flame-seared Hokkaido Scallop, Sakura Shrimp, Avocado Saikyo-miso Sauce
–Sakura Mochi ($6.50) – Red Bean Paste, Cherry Rice Mochi, Pickled Cherry Blossom Leaf
–Sakura Cola ($4)

Don’t miss the chance to experience this limited-time Cherry Blossom menu at ABURI TORA, where tradition meets innovation in every bite. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Aburi-style sushi or discovering it for the first time, this seasonal offering promises an unforgettable dining experience. Visit ABURI TORA at Yorkdale to celebrate the beauty of spring through this special menu.

#FOOD: ABURI TORA YORKDALE PRESENT LUNAR NEW YEAR SET

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, ABURI TORA at Yorkdale is offering a festive menu available for a limited time from January 29 to February 28. This offering features the TORA Lunar New Year Set for $35, alongside other festive creations, including the traditional Eho Maki. The seasonal menu blends premium Japanese ingredients with culinary traditions to create a dining experience perfect for marking this special occasion.

Lunar New Year is a cherished celebration in many Asian cultures, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and togetherness. ABURI TORA is proud to honour this festive season with a menu reflecting tradition and innovation. Known for its cutting-edge sushi laneway and technology-forward dining experience, TORA offers premium Aburi-style sushi that highlights the finest ingredients and artistry.

The TORA Lunar New Year Set includes:

•Sashimi (2 pcs each): Akami, Hamachi

•Nigiri (1 pc each, Salt & Lemon style): Madai,

•Kanpachi Oshi (1 pc each): Salmon, Ebi,

•Albacore Special Maki: Eho-maki (Included in the set but can be purchased separately as well for $6.50

Two new features that can be purchased in addition to the set are the Strawberry Cake ($7.50) and Tamago Maki ($4.50), perfect for a sweet and light addition to your meal.

The Eho Maki features a blend of unagi, crab meat, tamago, shitake, cucumber, and oboro. A traditional Eho Maki is a special sushi roll eaten during Setsubun, a Japanese holiday that marks the start of spring in the lunar calendar, typically on February 3rd or 4th. While it isn’t specifically tied to Lunar New Year, its symbolism aligns with themes of prosperity and good fortune. This limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity to enjoy TORA’s exceptional cuisine and commemorate Luna New Year.

About TORA
ABURI TORA’s roots are steeped in Japanese history, in contrast to its futuristic dining style. Owner Seigo Nakamura, originally from Miyazaki, Japan, took over his father’s restaurant, Sushi TORA when he was only 20 years old, in 1996. Four successful restaurants and ten years later, Seigo set his mind to bringing a traditional style of sushi restaurant – Kaiten, to Canada, but in a modern way with higher quality offerings. Paying homage to his roots, he named it TORA.

#FOOD: TORONTO HOLIDAY DINING ROUNDUP -MINAMI, TORA, LUCIE, FICOA, LITTLE SISTER, STEFANO’S DINER, THE CARBON BAR

Some ideas for Holiday Dining as we enter the greatest season of the year! Here are some suggestions for your gatherings over the next few weeks and their holiday menu offerings if you’re in and around the GTA!

Minami is thrilled to announce their 2024 holiday 3-course tasting menu for $110 – featuring their Salmon Crudo with house-made yukke sauce, signature Aburi Oshi Sushi along with other sushi favourites, and your choice of Saikyo Miso Baked Sablefish or 3oz US Wagyu. For just $35, surprise your tastebuds with wine pairings that promise a holiday dinner to remember. 

Minami Holiday Kaiseki – $110 

Beverage pairings – $35

Amuse-Bouche 

Edamame, corn, dumpling skin, brown butter, Hokkaido uni, pickled ginger, soy glaze 

Bread & Butter Prosecco 

Salmon Crudo 

House-made yukke sauce, goma-ae sauce, shiso leaf, binchotan oil, sweet lemon 

Sushi 

7 pieces of chef-selected Aburi Oshi Sushi, Aburi nigiri, and the signature Minami Roll 

Tenuta Orestiadi Catarratto

Entreé

The choice of

Saikyo Miso Baked Sablefish 

Mushroom rice, salted green cabbage, black garlic jus, kizami wasabi, patty pan squash, yuzu miso reduction 

19 Crimes Martha’s Chardonnay 

– or –

3oz US Wagyu 

Peppercorn jus, roasted maitake, gremolata, crispy Jerusalem artichoke, confit eggplant 

Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert 

The choice of ice cream flavour 

Black Sesame – or – Taro Root 

Spiced pear compote, cinnamon meringue, pomegranate, mochi balls, kuromitsu

Reservations for Minami can be made HERE.  

Ficoa

IG: @ficoa.to

(pictured: Ficoa’s Classic Mole)

Looking for a happy hour with a jolly twist? Visit Ficoa’s ‘Jolly Time’ in December from 6-8pm with Christmas-inspired cocktails like ‘Christmas Token’, a gin cocktail with foam placed on top, shaped like Santa’s hat. With each drink order, guests enjoy a curated selection of snacks that vary based on their beverage choice. Enjoy snacks like ‘Duck Farce Pintxo’ with flavours of a holiday roast and ‘Ginger Bread Man’ with foie and jelly, and more.

Jolly Time 6-8PM – $18

Cocktails 

Caffizzito 

Naughty List Martini 

Christmas Token 

Gin cocktail with foam shaped like Santa’s hat 

Holidays fashioned 

Duck roast fat-washed rum, cinnamon, and green cherry

Snacks

Duck Farce Pintxos 

Flavours of a holiday roast on toasted

Chorizo in Blanket 

Tallow pastry with chorizo filling 

Brie and Fig Crackers 

Star-shaped crackers with brie and fig

Gingerbread Man 

Foie and jelly 

Ficoa’s warm, hearty Mexican service: ‘Let Us Cook For You’ is transformed with holiday spirit from December 11th-14th. Ficoa will be launching their ‘Taste of Christmas’ menu, a 6-course prix-fixe dinner featuring their signature welcome drink, ‘Ponche’ crafted in the style of executive chef Gerry Quintero’s memory of large Mochaocan family gathering, with classic Mexican fruit punch. 

Indulge in their snacks like Pozole – a classic Mexican soup for the holidays, and their fun twist on chips and dip but elevated with caviar. For hearty options, Pierna Roast and Ensala are a must, so be sure to set aside some space for their delicious desserts. See below for the entire menu. 

Taste of Christmas – $100

Welcome Drink – Ponche

Classic Mexican fruit punch 

Mini Tamal 

Small tamal filled with barbacoa or lentils and cheese 

Pozole 

Bone-broth, hominy, and pozole fixins 

Molote de Picadillo

Sweet and sour Mexican filling with beef, fried fruit, and warm spices

Squash Tamal 

Koginut stew stuffed in a mixed squash corn dough basted with cinnamon and star anise forward tomato salsa

Entreé

Pierna Roast

Slow-roasted and sliced Linton Pasture’s pork leg, marinated in orange and warm spices

Ficoa’s Classic Mole

Served on the best part of a tamal, full husk contact ‘tortilla’ with crispy chicharron and toasted rice

Ensalada Rusa

 Beet, potato fruit salad with mayonnaise style dressing with refried lentils and salsa

Dessert 

Squash en Tacha

Squash cooked in cinnamon and syrup

Tres Leches

Chocolate De Olla-steeped sponge cake with chocolate and decaffeinated coffee 

Reservations for Ficoa can be made HERE.  

Little Sister 

IG: @littlesisterto

(pictured left to right: Hot Girl Winter, Noggi and Nice)

It’s time to get festive, Toronto. The ultimate holiday pop-up bar, Java Jingle at Little Sister, is back for a fourth year – and it’s bigger than ever. 

Little Sister’s little elves are all abuzz with excitement to reveal the return of Toronto’s cult favourite, over-the-top, holiday-themed pop-up bar, Java Jingle. Starting November 15, both Toronto locations at 102 Portland St. and 2031 Yonge St. will transform into winter wonderlands, bursting with festive joy. 

Jingle your night away with playful, cheerfully named cocktails like the tequila-infused Feliz Navi-Zaddy, the warming Hot Girl Winter with gin, brandy, and red wine, and the floral gin and St-Germain creation, Sleigh, Queen, Sleigh. 

Reservations for Java Jingle are highly recommended. 

Guests can reserve time slots HERE for Portland St. and HERE for Yonge St.     

TORA 

IG: @aburitoratoronto

(pictured: TORA Holiday Platter)

For family and friends who spend the holidays in the comfort of their own homes, TORA is thrilled to launch their holiday sushi platter featuring their OG signature flame-seared Aburi Oshi Sushi with a Roll, Hosomaki, and Inari pockets for $72, serving 4 people. 

TORA Holiday Platter – $72

OSHI

Aburi salmon oshi 4pc

Aburi ebi oshi 4pc

Aburi tuna oshi 4pc

Aburi atlantic salmon oshi 4pc

ROLL

Aburi california roll 8pc

MAKI

Salmon maki 6pc

Red tuna maki 6pc

Cucumber maki 6pc

Avocado maki 6pc

INARI

Shrimp inari pocket 4pc

Available for direct Take-out, or order online through Ritual or UberEats. 

 Shop the Carbon Bar 

IG: @thecarbonbar

(pictured: Holiday Dinner Bundle)

Not sure what kind of potluck you should bring? Shop the Carbon Bar has frozen offerings covered for you – introducing the Holiday Dinner bundle for $150, complete with all sides. Receive a $25 The Carbon Bar Restaurant Gift Card with purchase. Simply heat, serve, and savour—this is the ultimate BBQ value for the holiday season.

Holiday Dinner Bundle – $150

St. Louis Style Ribs 

Full Rack

Mac & Cheese 

1300g

Beef Brisket Empanadas 

4 pack

Vegan Empanadas 

4 pack

Sliced Turkey 

454g

Cheddar Jalapeno Sausages 

4 pack

Espresso BBQ Sauce 

350ml glass bottle

Purchase Shop the Carbon Bar’s Holiday Dinner Bundle HERE.

Stefano’s Diner

IG: @stefanosdiner

Sister and brother restaurants MICHELIN-recommended GIA and Stefano’s Diner are thrilled to offer Holiday catering starting today, November 16th to December 24th. Enjoy Italian plant-based dishes like pasta from GIA and Dan Levy’s favourite sandwiches from Stefano’s Diner. 

Holiday Catering Menu Highlights

Gnocchi Gorgonzola – $80 for 4 (Vegetarian)

Ricotta gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, fried walnuts, Parmesan (contains nuts)

Gnocchi Pomodoro – $80 for 4 (Vegetarian)

Ricotta gnocchi with pomodoro, stracciatella, basil

Stefano’s Italian Sub – $16 for 1 (Vegan)

Mortadella, ham, pastrami, provolone, arugula, mustard mayo, Italian dressing 

Stefano’s Smash Burger – $16 for 1 (Vegan) 

Plant-based meat and farro patty, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, caramelized onions, pickles, Russian dressing, sesame bun

Lemon Cake – $40 for 4 (Vegan) 

Layered lemon cake

View the full menu and order Holiday Catering HERE.

Lucie 

IG: @restaurantlucie

Sneak-peek of New Year’s celebrations: ring in the New Year with French style, at MICHELIN-recommended gem, Lucie Restaurant. Throughout the evening, absorb yourself in “La Nouvelle Anneé” authentic French fashion with a five-course tasting menu with wine or non-alcoholic pairings. 

Award-winning chef Arnaud Bloquel and his talented brigade promise guests an unforgettable New Year’s evening with resident sommelier Thomas Santerre’s leaving tastebuds dancing all evening.

Tickets can be purchased HERE. for $540 including the five-course tasting menu, wine pairings, tax and gratuity (champagne and other beverages are not offered in wine pairing).