So Happy for Cocktail Hour at Tojo’s

When Vancouverites think of Tojo’s, they think of world class sushi and one of the premiere spots for Japanese cuisine in Vancouver. When your wallet gets much lighter after each spectacular meal, it’s tough to justify dining there that frequently. 

Until now.

I am likely one of the many sushi lovers who is thrilled to hear that Tojo’s now offers a Happy Hour Menu, officially coined their “Cocktail Hour” - reflecting a beautifully crafted cocktail program to pair with the foods by none other than Diageo World Class Canada’s bartender of the year, Jeff Savage. Jeff will represent Canada at the World Class Global Finals in Amsterdam and Scotland in September. In the meantime, he’s back here at home in Vancouver and shaking things up for the Tojo’s Happy Hour Menu! 

Available now Thursdays through Saturdays from 4 to 6 pm, Tojo’s Cocktail Hour Menu features a number of small bites from his delightfully crispy and tangy Citrus and Sea Salt Wings, his signature Tojo’s Tuna - wild albacore seasoned to perfection with a wasabi sesame sauce, to his legendary Tojo Maki - what we all know as the modern California Roll that he pioneered. Make sure you also try the Dashimaki + Caviar - essentially a Japanese egg omelette, with Ikura and tobiko - and you’ll never think of omelettes the same way again.

In terms of Jeff’s cocktail program, to pick my favourite would be akin to choosing between your children. That said, I did let out a gasp when sipping the Kitsune Gimlet - bright and fresh, with Kazuki Gin, Yuzu and Honey. You should also try Tojo’s Milk Punch - an unusual cocktail that will leave you yearning for more. It kind of reminds me of the yogurt drinks that you can buy at the Asian supermarkets, but much more elevated, tasty and of course, spiked. 

Check out the entire Tojo’s menu at https://tojos.com/menu. Check out the images from my recent experience below - and make sure you grab a napkin to catch your drool!

And check out a sampling of the cocktails by Jeff Savage: