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W  hen I first visited Tri Express, I scoffed. It was just too American, I told the commoners who insisted I visit. The tiny bamboo and sterile tile space screamed Mr. Submarine - not the chic Japanese eatery I was expecting. Even the musical soundtrack was chintzy J-pop. Things were just looking oh so grim.
And then, our sushi rolls arrived. Five visits later, I'm a regular, culinary bigot, but I learned my lesson.
Turns out that Tri Express is not, in fact, the quintessential sushi eatery, but much more - or less, depending on how you look at it: efficient during lunch, fast enough for a serious bite, staffed with a serious chef who can wow you with off-the-menu gems. Sushi chef Tri Du's menu lists about 20 varieties of seafood, approximately the same number of rolls and only three dishes that might be considered entrees. Tri offers good but preserved wasabi paste (although Tri's Le Petit Treehouse had fresh wasabi), stocks no booze, and is a cash-only operation.
Chef Tri Du churns up sushi behind the counter while the typical St. Laurent mob paraded through the doors, armed with packages of cutely named entrées - the Le St-Joseph roll, Le Cartier roll and the Montreal roll.
The primary draw of this stripped-down operation is the unusually fresh and high quality seafood via the buying power and strict discernment of Tri, who certainly knows his stuff. Among regular items are less-common treats such as fatty tuna (toro) and fatty maki rolls and nigiri sushi of tuna, salmon and shrimp. As well as Spanish mackerel and sweet shrimp.
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AT A GLANCE
Tri Express
1650 Laurier East, Montreal, QC
514-528-5641
Japanese
Plateau
Venue:
Restarant
Hours:
Tues. to Wed. 11:00am to 9:00pm Thur. to Fri. 10:00am to 11:00pm Sat. to Sun. 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Price Range:
$$ (affordable)
Payment:
Cash Only
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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6 Reader Reviews | Tri sushis just taste absolutely different from other places, I can't really discribe, is it the sauce, proportion of fish and rice, or freshness, maybe a mix of three. Though I find or lake variety, it doesn't serve Ikuru or sea urchin. but it is my favourite reasonable priced sushi place. I live next door and there's no reason going to the other side of the town to Kaizen, where he created the whole menu for and pay the double.
1. Lulu's Review :: March 06, 2010 Lulu's Rating: 3 Stars |
The quality of sashimi does not compare to what I've had at other places. Slices were thin with pieces of skin on them and the edges were tough. Rolls were very creative but very bland except for either nutmeg or cardamom. I had to wait over 2 hours to pick up this order. What a letdown. I was really disappointed!!
2. Marlene's Review :: April 05, 2009 Marlene's Rating: 2 Stars |
I too, and many of our friends from Toronto have been following Tri around for years. When we were first introduced to Tri's creation, I was skeptical of how deliciously delightful it could be, especially because there are many good Sushi restaurants in Toronto. Needless to say, we all have been making special 6 hour trips to Montreal at least twice a year just to feast on Tri's creations.
3. Long's Review :: December 30, 2008 Long's Rating: 4 Stars |
just wanted to point out that fresh wasabi is indeed used in some high-end restaurants - not necessarily in montreal - but in new york according to ruth reichl.
4. Anonymous's Review :: February 03, 2007 |
just wanted to point out that fresh wasabi is indeed used in some high-end restaurants - not necessarily in montreal - but in new york according to ruth reichl.
5. G's Review :: February 01, 2007 G's Rating: 4 Stars |
Tri is the best of the best. I've been a follower of Tri's amazing sushi for over 10 years and I'm glad he's finally broken out of the trendier restaurants so that he can focus on what he does best in his own off-beat and friendly ambience. BTW, what makes you think that Kaizen had fresh wasabi? No such thing. Fresh wasabi is too expensive, would need to be grated tableside and it would turn brown too quickly. All the sushi restos in Mtl use a paste or powder.
6. Sarah's Review :: November 21, 2006 Sarah's Rating: 4 Stars |
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1650 Laurier East, Montreal, QC
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