Hockey Sushi (Japanese)

Hockey Sushi is located at 1840 Lansdowne St. in Peterborough. Hockey had another location in Thornhill that we've reviewed as well but they recently underwent a name change to "Story Sushi." (When I was at the other location, I also asked one of the waitresses where the odd name "Hockey Sushi" originated; my pet hypothesis is that someone new to Canada compared the appearance of maki rolls to hockey pucks, but the waitress just indicated it didn't mean anything.) Hockey has a modern interior with open ceiling. Disposable chopsticks are used unfortunately, but we brought our own. iPad ordering is used. Soy at table was rather salty and generic but not bad. Tea is included with teapot is left at table; I opted for just that as AYCD pop is $3. We went for weekend lunch.

Miso soup was very good and not too watered-down. We both adored the chicken teriyaki; very tender and savory with an excellent sauce although perhaps just a touch too much salt. Kimchi "salad" was really just kimchi and was good, but had an odd aftertaste. Shrimp tempura very good; light and flaky. not oily. but the sauce was dilute although good. Deep fried scallops were quite good including the dipping sauce. Gyoza were good including dipping sauce, although it was just the table soy sauce with some seasoning. Black pepper beef teriyaki was tough but tasty in a more soy-based sauce. Spring rolls were good and not oily. Cheese wontons were good, although could have used a bit more cheese. Curry chicken cutlet was delicious and I loved it. Hot and sour soup was quite good, not too hot with a good balance of flavor, and enjoyable. Yam and pumpkin tempura were both somewhat oily, but still good, and the sauce complemented them well. Beef teriyaki was quite good though it had a strange bit of burnt marshmallow flavor which I didn't mind. Pork shrimp shiu mai was delicious. Beef udon soup was good though a bit muted.

For dessert egg pudding was more like custard as had no sweetness, although wasn't bad regardless. Fried banana was good and not oily but sauce-less. Ginger ice cream (my favorite) was very good as was strawberry; both very fresh no freezer burn. Red bean was good but did not have that elusive flavor few have. Strawberry jell-o was a bit thin but still good. Strawberry mousse though a touch muted was quite good with strawberry pieces showing made from fruit. Coffee cake (very small piece) was delicious with plenty of cinnamon. Chocolate mousse was delicious with plenty of flavor. Mango yogurt was intense, tangy and excellent, better than the mango jello which was not as flavorful. Service was fast and friendly. Weekend lunch was $19.99 and this is quite reasonable considering the times, although the $3 pop is a bit much. Although there were some shortcomings they were minor and it was certainly an enjoyable lunch worth a return.

Rating: 7-7.5/10