Introducing: Teppan Kenta, a new Japanese grill house at Bay and Wellesley
Name: Teppan Kenta Contact Info: 24 Wellesley St. W., 647-345-0905, facebook.com, @teppankenta, teppankenta.com Neighbourhood: Downtown Core Owner/Chef: Kenta Taniguchi, the former manager at Guu Izakaya
The Food: Griddled meats and other quick-fried Japanese dishes, including okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake topped with pork, noodles, cabbage and egg. Among the more adventurous options: a cheesy shrimp melt served with croutons and edamame, and a potato pizza topped with pickled fish innards—best paired with beer, we’re told.
The Drinks: Sake, shōchū and cocktails flavoured with melon, mango and lychee. Sapporo and Asahi beers are available by the pint, bottle or pitcher.
The Place: A streamlined space with communal benches, an open kitchen and a window ledge crammed with colourful potted plants. A seat at the bar lets you watch chef Taniguchi at work on the griddle.
The Numbers: • 50 seats, including 14 handmade bar stools • 2 massive metal griddles, called tappan • 1 dollar to add a scoop of ice cream to any cocktail
