Chako Barbecue & Izakaya is located at 163 York Blvd. in Richmond Hill, near the intersection of Hwys. 404 and 7. (It is very close to Touro Churrascaria.) We went for a weekend lunch. Chako is a Korean-style tabletop BBQ place, with a modern interior of nice design (although it can be a bit loud if there are many patrons.) Unfortunately disposable chopsticks are used, so we brought our own. AYCD pop is available for $2.95. We opted for $1 jasmine tea instead; when two are ordered it is left in a small teapot. Soy already at table includes low-sodium as well as regular, and it was very good and fresh, slightly sweet.
Banchan items bean sprouts, pickled radish, fried tofu were delicious. We noticed they are a little sweeter than at other places which may not be for all tastes but were nonetheless very good. Green salad was good and fresh, but the dressing is a bit too sweet (for me at least) which overpowered the rest of the flavors, however Mishy and I both noticed this. Miso soup was excellent and savoury, and we both loved it.
Chicken was over-the-top excellent as far as the spicing goes, better than any we have ever had (including at Gyubee... it was that good!) Beef was also amazing and very well spiced, which caused Mishy to say that she even preferred this place to Gyubee, which I thought was impossible. Calamari was good, not much if any seasoning other than does soy sauce, but barbecuing it added enough flavor. Basa fish was similar. Beef short rib was very good and we both enjoyed it very much, deliciously spiced, as was sliced pork.
For dessert, as with the other Chako locations, only green tea and mango ice creams are available, but that was enugh and they were both fresh, creamy and very tasty. Weekend lunch was only $19.99, and this is an excellent price and value for AYCE BBQ meats, especially at enjoyable as these were. Lunch was memorably good, and we’re both looking forward to our next visit!Rating: 9.5-10
