GUU IZAKAYA

Earlier this year Guu began offering a lunch menu at both their Bloor and Church locations. I lamented not working close to either location. Luckily, a work event brought me to the Church and College location right before lunch time. My foodie fairy godmother had finally heard my wishes.

Atmosphere: I had talked a friend at work into stopping by Guu with me and we arrived promptly at 11:30, when doors opened. The restaurant was a lot calmer during the day and even as tables filled up, the ambient noise stayed mellow.

Service: The one word to describe our server at Guu that day was eager. He was really friendly, a lot of smiles and came to check on us often. I don’t think the intention was to make us feel rushed but I did feel some pressure to have my plate cleared each time he stopped by. I think he was actually trying to help because our table was crowded with everything we had ordered and I in turn wanted to help him. It was an awkward circular thing.

Food: I knew I was ordering the Uni Cream Udon, it was the perfect example Guu’s spin on traditional Japanese foods that I loved. In addition, my friend and I split the Hirekatsu set meal and a bowl of Takoyaki. Oddly, I had been craving takoyaki for days beforehand so when I saw it on the menu, it was a must have.

The udon was covered in the creamy uni and scallop sauce. You could easily taste the sweet, buttery uni and none of the unique aftertaste. There were chunks of scallops and the udon was cooked to a still firm texture. Served alongside the pork katsu with ponzu and tonkatsu sauce were side dishes of pickles, a small salad, miso soup and rice. The panko crusted pork tenderloin was soft and juicy inside with a great crispy exterior. I loved the tonkatsu sauce and was happily eating spoonfuls of steamed rice topped with it. My takoyaki craving was well satiated at Guu. The pan fried balls of dough had the hot gooey interior and a hefty chunk of octopus that I was looking for, all smothered in sauce and bonito flakes.

If I worked closer to the area, Guu would easily become by new go-to lunch spot. Even now, working a handful of TTC stops away…I seriously contemplate the commute.