Taka's Take-Out Sushi - White Rock, BC

So we're having a conversation about the best sushi in Vancouver and this little place keeps popping up.  Monkey and Godzilla, both Japanese food snobs, mentioned Taka's so I had to check it out.  Strap on your seat belts because we're going out to White Rock!

It's a little place in a nondescript strip mall in White Rock - when I say little, I mean tiny.  Two tables for two and a counter for four and that's it.  Behind the counter is three men toiling away at the various take out orders and they do A LOT of take out (well, it is a take-out joint).  This is not authentic Japanese per se and usually enough to deter Godzilla from going but don't worry, it is authentic in some ways.  The head sushi chef/Master is Chinese but he studied the art of sushi in Japan and his wife is Japanese (and also the host, server and cashier).  I honestly don't care if it's authentic or not, I'm hungry and I want sushi!  

Monkey and I can't decide what to order so we let the master decide for us. He asks what we would like and I think Monkey specifically wanted a few dishes but left the rest up to the Master - whatever he likes and whatever is fresh.   Let the adventure begin!

Monkfish Liver Pate (Ankimo) - $6.75 for 3 pc 

I must admit I'm not a very big fan of liver - the texture and distinct flavor is off-putting but this liver is actually pretty good.  It still has that thick, soft texture of liver but none of the liver taste.  It's cool, light and marinated really well in sake and with the yuzu dressing and a bit of daikon, it's actually quite nice.  Liver haters, do not be afraid - this is not the liver your mom served you.

Trio of fresh nigiri....

They were all very fresh with absolutely no fishy taste or lingering aftertaste of anything.  The fish was cut so well it requires very little chewing - just a bit of moving the mouth about a bit and that's it.  Both the Red Sea Bream and Flounder had a bit of green onion and lemon zest on top to give a bit of zip - both surprising and refreshing because it's so unexpected.

Amber Jack (Kanpachi) - $3.00 each

 Flounder (Hirame) - $3.00 each

Red Sea Bream (Madai) - $2.75 each

More assorted fresh nigiri...

As the Master is preparing this, he brings it behind the curtain and as another chef walks through, I see him holding a blowtorch...  I'm so excited!

Sea Scallop (Ezo Hotate) - $3.00 each

I've never had scallops like this before.  It was soft, moist and not a hint of that rubbery texture that I thought all scallops had.  And since it's served with  just a nice sear on top, you can really taste the scallop as it should taste.  Oh, and that sear, is AHMAZING!  Little bit of that charcoal taste....  yum.

Flounder Fringe (Engawa) - $3.25 each

So this is the one that Monkey's friend said we had to try because everytime said friend tried to order it, it was either sold out or unavailable.  What's the big deal?  What the heck is a flounder fringe?  It goes down the hatch...  WTH??  What just happened?  I swore I put the piece in my mouth but it's gone and all I can taste is a hint of charcoal.  Seriously, it just MELTED.  OMG.  This is the best piece of nigiri sushi I have ever had IN MY LIFE.  Monkey is equally impressed and amazed.  Whatever this is, you need to come to Taka's and order it NOW.  I'm still in shock as to how good it was...

Albacore Toro (Bincho Toro) - $2.75 each

A little meatier and heavier than the other pieces we've had so far but delicious nonetheless.  A bit cooked on the outside and nicely raw and soft on the inside.  There's also a light brown sauce on top - a bit sweet and enhances the taste of the fish very well.  Very lovely.  Not Engawa lovely, but still good.

Yellowtail Toro (Hamachi Toro) - $3.00 each

Again, a meatier fish that's slightly cooked on the outside but room temp raw on the inside.  Also very light tasting with a bit of that charcoal/singe on top that matches really well.  This one also has that light drizzle of sweet brown sauce on top that matches the light fish very well.  

Super White (Mutsu) - $2.25 each

The most cooked out of any of the pieces and the only one with a spicy/strong sauce.  This was probably my least favorite because the fish took a passenger seat to the spicy mayo sauce.  The taste of the fish was still there but it was masked a bit.  Overall, this was ok in comparison to the other pieces.

Tako Wasa - $2.25 each

Baby Octopus with Wasabi

A Monkey recommendation that made my head explode, literally.  This thing is packed with baby octopus mixed with the stem of the wasabi plant.  So it basically made me tear up 4 times while I was chewing.  Really spicy and definitely only for those who can handle the spicy foods.  The octopus is tender but still requires a bit of chewing that only prolongs that nasal burning sensation a bit longer than I'd like.  I'd probably skip on this one next time but Monkey absolutely loves it.

Egg Omelet (Tamago) - $2.00 each

As the name says, it's an egg omelet atop rice.  It's on the sweeter side as most tamago are but it's also a lot lighter and fluffier than I've had at other places.  This Piglet doesn't really care for it but for Monkey, it brings back childhood memories so he had to order it.

It was the most intimate and eye-opening meal I've ever had and I have to thank Monkey for introducing Taka's and the Flounder Fringe to me.  Overall, this was the best sushi meal I've had in a very long time - I usually cop out and just order whatever rolls but don't do that here.  You can have rolls if you want to, I'm sure they're good as other people dining in only had rolls, but if you can be brave, talk a walk on the wild sushi side.  Be adventurous and let the Master ask you some questions and then prepare your meal for you.  The Master is a nice guy and really easy to talk to - very warm, friendly, inviting and he'll remember your name for next time.  And believe me, there will be a next time.  Bon appetite!    

Pros:

• The chef can prepare a sushi meal catered to your requests
• Excellent nigiri sushi - the best I've ever had
• Take-out available - it's in the name!
• Moderately priced - it isn't cheap but you're paying for quality here and in comparison to the prices you'd pay elsewhere in Vancouver, it's not bad.
• Free street parking
• Friendly staff

Cons:

• Very small dining area - many people were turned away who wanted to dine in so get there early or wait
• Very busy so a bit of a wait for food - definitely not for those in a hurry