Imadake Montreal

Ebi Mayo

Just as we walked into Imadake, a large group was leaving. Sent off with surprisingly loud yells of “arigotou gozaimashita” – thank you in Japanese – we were immediately made aware that this was a real, as authentic as it gets kind of Japanese pub. All around us, groups of laughing, tipsy diners were egged on to do shots and chug their drinks by waitresses dressed in school-girl type kilts and thigh highs. The atmosphere is loud and convivial, definitely a good spot to check out if you’re in the mood to be around a lot of people, drink some good Japanese beer and eat tapas style typical to the izakaya way.

Because this was more of a late night snack, we weren’t in for a full blown meal, rather just a few dishes to sate our lingering hunger. We ordered the ebi mayo – one of Imadake’s more popular dishes. The fried tempura topped with crushed almonds and spiced mayo was crispy, hot and tasty, especially with the more unconventional toppings provided. Craving something closer to traditional Japanese fare, we got an order of the agedashi tofu which came ever so lightly dusted with potato/cornstarch and deep fried to a golden crisp. Topped with dashi and some seaweed, the dish was empty in a matter of minutes. The yaki udon was stir fried and came in a relatively generous portion – enough to fill one person.

As soon as we saw the ice cream mochi offered on the menu, we knew we had to get it. Being a rare commodity here in Montreal, whenever I get a chance to eat some of these, I go for it every time. Four different flavors were offered: vanilla, green tea, chocolate and strawberry – we ended up getting the first two. Chewy on the outside, cold and melty on the inside, ice cream mochi is incomparable to any other. So good…

P.S. Upon handing us the cocktail list, our server recommended the Hello Kitty cocktail. With a name like that, how could I not get it! It tasted almost like a strawberry daiquiri, so yep, it was good. Also got the shochu grapefruit which was also not bad. My friend got the massive beer mug of Sapporo. After these drinks, I have to say I actually forgot to take a picture of the age tofu! Sorry, guys.

Montreal