Buzz Fix: BarFish at Blowfish Restaurant & Sake Bar

You may have heard that Blowfish Restaurant & Sake Bar on King Street West has a new sibling by the name of Barfish. Not opened just yet, we did get a sneak peak at what Zark Fatah, the man behind Toronto’s hottest sushi restaurant and sake bar, has in store.

If you’ve been to Blowfish, you’ll definitely notice the addition to what used to be outside — now closed in and re-designed as a late-night spot. Not large, Barfish can accommodate up to 60 people, though likely very tightly, with seating primarily at the bar along with a few booths on either side of the room. The menu is smaller, with only Blowfish’s best items featured. Think their signature giant ebi shooter, the spicy rock shrimp, or their fantastic roasted miso-marinated black cod.

Clearly not a restaurant space, it’s evident the focus here is on the cocktails – and what incredible cocktails they are. A new and unique list created by none other than mixology master Nishan Nepulangoda, each is named creatively and inspired by Asian essences and unique ingredients.

Nepulangoda, who has created some of Toronto’s most famous cocktail menus, speaks about his new digs like it’s all he’s ever wanted and the passion not only shines through in his cocktails, but also in his aura. The instinct to smile as his very animated self describes the cocktails he’s created is all too natural, and drinking them even moreso.

While the new cocktails on the Barfish list are fantastic (one is even served in a teacup), Nepulangoda’s signature drink is the Caribou Crossing: a mixture of grapefruit bitters, two types of vodka, and jalapeno pepper. Why signature? Because this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury. The guy is talented so yeah, we say go.

Barfish opens to the public next Monday, December 15, and promises to deliver fantastic food, even better cocktails, and serve until the wee hours of the night. You can expect to experience Nepulangoda’s fabulous energy at least five nights a week.

What’re you most excited to try at BarFish at Blowfish? Let Vv Magazine know your thoughts on “Buzz Fix: BarFish at Blowfish Restaurant & Sake Bar” in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.