CLOSED - Ten-Ichi Japanese Cuisine

Update 2018-Nov-6: I passed by Ten-Ichi recently, and it has closed. However, the signage indicates that it is being replaced by a Matsuda (which we will certainly review ASAP) so all is not bad.

Ten-Ichi Japanese Cuisine is located at 4810 Sheppard Avenue East in Scarborough, a couple of blocks west of Markham Road. Strangely, I lived very nearby for about a decade but never went until we'd left the area (Mishy didn't like the interior for some reason and we left immediately on the first visit; this was long before we started doing our write-ups.) It's one of the older remaining Japanese AYCEs and has been operating for over a quarter century.

Ten-Ichi has free WiFi, non-disposable chopsticks, iPad ordering, tea left on table in a carafe. Soy sauce was all low sodium, light, fresh and very good. AYCD pop is included in the lunch price. Portions are smaller which is good as it cuts down on waste; just order more of those smaller portions. Interior was nice with plenty of booth seating; there is also a teppanyaki area for groups where chefs prepare right at the table. There was a sign indicating no Interac was available, however I was told it was okay and I was able to pay using it.

To start off, the miso soup was just awesome, some of the best I have ever had, so smoky it almost had hints of bacon and about as savory as could be. Salad dressing excellent with mandarin orange flavors, and unique as well. The appetizer called "Appetizer" is pickled shredded beets, cabbage and carrot and is quite good. Shrimp tempura was just about the lightest and flakiest I have ever had and I would call it perfection. Pumpkin tempura was not as flaky but still excellent. Eggplant tempura was also excellent, yam tempura a bit oilier.

On to the main courses, sirloin steak... oh my! Garlicky and juicy awesomeness, but must be eaten hot when just delivered to enjoy its unique but superior flavour. Spicy beef ramen was delicious and tasted authentic with a red, fragrant soup base. Salmon sushi was perfect, the rice not so sweet as other places so this seems the more traditional way it is to be prepared. Spicy salmon maki was also a perfect blend of heat and flavor. Samma is an entire fish (mackerel pike it appears) so I removed the head and tail; was was good with the sauce but needed a little more of it, as it ran out about two-thirds of the way through. Ten-Ichi roll is like California roll with mango and avocado; very good. Unami salmon fried rice needed a little soy to make the flavour jump out. Chicken teriyaki was good but the sauce was not optimal and wasn't up to the rest of the offerings. Beef skewers were delicious but too dry. Chicken skewer was better and moister; I also liked the five spice seasoning. Cold tofu was delicious and better than expected.

For the desserts, lime Jell-O and cherry Jell-O each had a mandarin section at the bottom, a nice touch. Mango yogurt was good. Tiramisu was full of coffee notes and very good. Custard cream was unique, delicious and not too sweet. Chocolate mousse was quite good and subtle. Mango, red bean, vanilla and green tea ice creams were all very fresh and delicious.

Ten-Ichi's service was fast and excellent. There was a 12% "suggested" service charge on the bill which seems to indicate that it could be removed if requested, but that sufficed for a tip so I left it. Lunch was $17.99 and these days with AYCEs gentrifying this isn't bad at all and the quality was as good as others that charge more, and in some offerings better. Ten-Ichi should have been a regular stop for me for years and unfortunately it's too out of my way now, but I'll try to stop in with Mishy sometime... definitely recommended!

Rating: 9-9.5/10