Long lines in front of any place, especially a restaurant, sparks my curiosity. I wonder: What’s inside? Who’s the chef? What’s the food like? Is it really worth the wait? I passed by one particular “line” many times. I knew what was inside, and I heard all the praise one relatively new restaurant could possibly get. When I eventually and embarrassingly admitted I had never been to Kazu, gasps were heard, then silence, then a pin drop. WHAT!! I know, I know. A bit dramatic, but it’s the truth. Only about a week ago, did I finally make my first trip to Kazu, a casual Japanese style eatery, called an Izakaya, the first of it’s kind here. Consider it as amazing Japanese bar food.
After waiting in “the line” for about 30 minutes, which is normal, a Japanese food lover and myself were accompanied by the extremely funny and friendly waitress to a seat at the bar in front of the squeeze bottles (if you’ve eaten at the bar, you know where that is). Amazing place to sit. As I sifted through the multiple index card menu, the dishes were chosen, and the culinary adventure was about to begin. We started with the lightly charred and spicy chicken meatballs, dredged in a sweet and savory hoisen/teryaki sauce. Delish!. I then discovered what is now one of my favorite things to eat, the shrimp burger. A ground shrimp patty placed on the griddle, creating a thin crispy crust, then placed between a soft bun, with a thick slice of tomato, a heap of lettuce, and a sun dried tomato-soya sauce mayonnaise that also dresses the plate. It’s a good thing they drizzle the mayo there, because I ran the burger through it multiple times. Easily one of my favorite sauces ever.
Then for our mains, we ordered the tuna and salmon bowl, and the barbecue pork neck. The bowl had a deliciously sweet layer of rice with marinated tuna and salmon tartare with a salad on top with crispy puffed up rice noodles perched above, then drizzled with a sweet and salty sesame dressing. The rice was perfectly cooked, and provided a great bed to hold the freshest tuna and salmon. The salad was light, crisp, and the dressing brought the whole dish together. While this was being consumed, I was gnawing away caveman-style at the barbecue pork neck. I felt like such a carnivore chewing away at the succulent pieces of meat between the bones. It had a delectable char from the grill caramelizing the sticky sauce which then magically found it’s way all over my fingers and to the edges of my cheeks and chin. I loved every second of it. At one point, I gave up using my hands, and reluctantly asked for a fork and knife since I couldn’t physically get between the crevasses with my jaw. A challenge to eat, but the flavors were out of bounds.
Watching the chefs prepare these medleys of flavors in a tiny space in such a short amount of time is astonishing. Waiting in line to grab one of the 25 available seats, sitting practically elbow-to-elbow to the people at the next table or chair while making friends with them over an incredible meal is all part of the Kazu experience. I have been back since this meal, and it’s been just as incredible. I would wait in that line forever.
Kazu- 1862 Sainte-Catherine Street West Montreal, QC - (514) 937-2333
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“… gnawing away caveman-style at the barbecue pork neck” – yep, that was me too last time I went and I loved every second of it as well! So happy you finally went. We’ll have to go together soon!
I have tried to go a few times, but sadly (and much to my embarrassment), I have never made it inside! I’m glad you got in though. You make it sound great, so I will need to try lining up again. Last time, we were in line and so hungry that we walked away. Clearly, that was foolish!
You have to go! It’s worth the wait. I know how you feel about feeling like the only one who hasn’t been.
So glad you finally made it and now you know why we clammer so much about this place hehe. Best time to go is 2pm on a weekday!
OK. I am now officially the only person in Montreal who has not been to Kazu. I want to go badly, and your post only makes me want to go more. But the line…. Ishh. I’m seriously considering asking for an afternoon off. Glad you had a great experience and thanks for sharing!