Earlier this year, acclaimed chef Junichi Ikematsu from Jun-I decided to join the Japanese cuisine rejuvenation movement that's sweeping across the city by opening his own ramen bar in the Plateau. We showed up on a Tuesday night sans reservations (they don't take any) and had to wait a good fifteen minutes before sitting at the rich, red wood bar that twirls along two of the dining room's walls.
tagged: CAN'T RESERVE THE WAIT
The concise, "local/organic/homemade"-laden menu features three ramen variations followed by a dozen starters. Those are very meager in portion, but at $4-$6, who's complaining? They are also plated in a way that's conducive to sharing in a group. There is lastly a drinks menu for cocktails, beer and sake.
tagged: GOOD FOR SHARING
We came out of Saka-Ba tonight thinking the food was certainly satisfying and nicely-presented, but somehow lacked a bit of sizzle. We're not exactly big ramen fans or connoisseurs, but we were expecting a little more oomph from chef Junichi. Saka-Ba is still a nice addition to the Plateau, but we won't give it a final verdict this soon after opening.
tagged: DESERVES A RETRY
Price per person: $18.50
Montreal restaurant and bar reviews brought to you by two regular guys who like to eat and drink. We will go anywhere and we will say it like it is.