Weekly Lunch Pick: the beef sukiyaki at Tokyo Grill

Turns out Guu isn’t the only place to go for Japanese comfort food. Homesick expats and Japanophiles often turn to the belly-warming sukiyaki ($12) at Tokyo Grill, an unassuming (even garish) hole in the wall near the gay village. The sumo-sized cast-iron pot comes packed with shirataki noodles, sautéed bean sprouts, spinach and sweet onions, topped off with a poached egg, thin slices of beef and creamy soft tofu. The soy-mirin broth hasn’t been over-sugared for Western tastes; it’s semi-sweet and sublimely piqued with a touch of shichimi togarashi seasoning. Diners who sit in are rewarded with a complimentary bowl of miso soup that’s showered with scallions, wakame and tofu cubes. The cost: $19 per person, including tax, tip, an upgrade to brown rice ($1) and tea ($1). Cash only. The time: 31 minutes. Tokyo Grill, 582 Yonge St. (at Wellesley), 416-968-7054.

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