BLUFISH
Neighbourhood: Exchange District
Address: 179 Bannatyne Avenue
Phone: 204-779-9888
Entrees: $8 – $45
Though the Exchange District has long been synonymous with the city’s effortlessly cool restaurants in heritage buildings, Blüfish, occupying a simple and chic narrow space, remains the only sushi bar. Top notch ingredients make this a spot for sushi purists looking for the classics, but popularity is partly due to imaginative and unexpected infusions adding playful taste twists.
The kitchen has a knack for sashimi, crafting smart variations of the raw fish dish that incorporate strong flavours, like truffle oil or cajun spice. Plump prawns and pillowy scallops appear in a Thai style sashimi, hit with a bracing rush of lime and vinaigrette touched with pungent fish sauce. Opt for “new style” and divine cuts of tuna and salmon come simply dressed in chive flecked warm olive oil.
Tempura–dipped scallops with spicy mayo bring a sense of fun for those looking for a side of drama with dinner. The juicy fried morsels are cupped in a shell shaped dish, atop a plate of sambuca set alight, gently singeing the scallops before burning out. A neat trick to keep eager diners from scalding tongues on the fresh from the fryer bites.
Cooler bites of salmon tartare make another playful starter; cubes of scoopable avocado and tender fish offer textural contrast on crispy rice crackers.
Signature rolls take creative steps into unexpected territory, with delicious results. A medley of scallops steamed shrimp, red cabbage, carrot, daikon, wrapped in cucumber comprises a vibrant and mouthwatering rainforest roll. Drizzles of perky yuzu dressing and spicy mayo punctuate each juicy burst.Torched toro and salmon lay on top of a delicious crab, cucumber roll flavoured with wasabi tobiko, wrapped in a soy crepe. White truffle oil sprinkled with chives accents each rich piece of this aptly named new style roll.
Catering to downtown devotees, Blüfish hits the mark for traditionalists and those seeking something innovative. Bento boxes, a creative mix of rolls, salads, and dinner combinations prove a winning mix for this oasis of relaxed comfort.
