For food writers, sushi and sashimi make for the best cheat codes in the business. It always provides colourful, Instagram-mable content. The public loves to read about Japanese cuisine, and I’d put it right up there with burgers, pizza and extreme desserts when it comes to clickbait.
So, when I saw the news that Shojo Izakaya, located right in front of the Loblaws store in the Brewery District, was opening for lunch, and that there was something called a sushi pizza on the menu, I had to try it.
Now, don’t think that means you’d eat raw fish with melted cheese. We’re not monsters.
I had a choice of salmon, scallops or spicy tuna as the topping, and I went for the tuna. When it comes out of the kitchen, I see that it’s more of a straight-up pie than a pizza. Or maybe a very large tart, cut into wedges. The “crust” is made of panko, and it’s crisp and holds up very well. The “filling” is the sweet sushi rice, and on top you’ll find the fish with some sweet soy sauce and mentaiko mayo (which is mayonnaise with roe).
The wedges hold up better than most pies I cut into, because I tend to obliterate pies when I cut into them. And, yes, its size is perfect for one person, so you don’t have to share, even though the whole point of izakaya dining is to drink and share food. I guess I am a bad person who likes good food.
Shojo Izakaya
Oliver | 10425 121 St. NW
780-540-4800
shojoizakaya.com
