Disclaimer: This meal was comped.
Just as the outside temperature starts to dip below the godforsaken double-digit below-zero mark, our bodies respond by demanding hot, comforting and salty food. Our invitation to sample a new-ish Mile-End ramen joint on this frigid Monday night could not have come at a more opportune moment.
tagged: OPEN ON MONDAY
The most striking feature of Tsukuyomi's interior is its wrap-around wooden bar eating up most of the space. Its foot-high, cubicle-style divider gives a sense of privacy while still allowing one to soak up the atmosphere. Finally, the overly-open kitchen will guarantee that no staff member is hard to reach.
tagged: SIT AT THE BAR
The brief one-page menu doubles up as a fill-it-yourself order card. A handful of affordable ramen variants and small side dishes – with one dessert – round up the food offering. Drinks comprise of a couple sakes, Sapporo and milk or matcha tea.
Finicky and health-conscious diners will enjoy the multitude of customization options. From the choice of protein to the broth's salt level and type of noodle – all the way down to extras such as egg, nori and spinach – the ramen combinations are endless.
On a personal note, we found the pork broth to be rich, milky and luscious while the vegan version fell a little flat on flavour – nothing that can't be fixed with a helping of black garlic oil and spicy takana.
tagged: BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Named after a moon god in Shinto mythology – or a less culturally-relevant manga/anime character – Tsukuyomi is riding the wave of Japanese eateries that have recently shifted from sushi shops and izakayas to ramen and sake bars.
Between the inviting ambiance and personalized, budget-friendly fare, this Mile-End newcomer should not face any issues filling its seats. And while the flavours could have used a minor boost, the warming/comforting factor was there.
So why not grab winter by the chopsticks this season?
Price per person: $16.50
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.