restaurantREVIEW - Beijing, Bangkok, Tokyo . . . Sun Peaks

Beijing, Bangkok, Tokyo . . . Sun Peaks

DECEMBER 2006 — VOLUME 4 ISSUE 12

Tucked away in the Heffley Boutique Inn is Sun Peaks’ gateway to Asia—Toro Restaurant. Featuring Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine, Toro has dozens of items that will make your mouth water.

Ken Reynolds and Nadine Bertram are the principal owners and operators of the intimate, 55-seat restaurant. The couple moved to Sun Peaks eight years ago and began working on their plan to open a restaurant. Reynolds grew up in one of Canada’s major ethnic epicentres, Toronto, and apprenticed under several Chinese chefs. With that knowledge under his belt, he went on to teach himself the ins and outs of Japanese and Thai cuisine. The results are scrumptious, as anyone who visits Toro knows.

“Everyone who comes to Sun Peaks will take a night at Toro,” explains Bertram. “If you’re here for a few days, you’ll try a few restaurants. Since we’re a bit different most people will add Toro to their list.”

Most of the meals at Toro are communal or family style, meaning that guests order a few dishes to share together. Guests can combine gyoza with stir-fry, curry with egg rolls, or they can order several of Toro’s sushi rolls to share. The menu is extensive and perhaps, for the uninitiated, a bit daunting. To make life a little easier, Toro has introduced set menus for larger groups. Guests simply pick the menu that’s right for them, and the platters start arriving.

“[Set menus] let you try a little bit of everything, instead of just one dish,” says Reynolds.

According to Reynolds, Toro’s Phad Thai and the hot pots are their most popular items. Served in giant bowls, both items combine fresh veggies and meats with delicious sauces made from scratch. Many guests order one bowl to share between two people. When asked what her favourite item on the menu is, Bertram was adamant that the sushi rolls are the best.

“We have a couple new rolls that are so yummy,” says Bertram with a grin. “I’m loving the beef teriyaki roll. And the Philadelphia roll is good.”

Some people may be nervous about some of the flavours on the menu. Reynolds explains that some guests come in and are hesitant about the Thai curries, or items with unusual ingredients. Once they try them, though, they finish every bite. Bertram also points out that with Asian foods, many people sit down with an expectation of what they’ll be eating and when it’s a little different, they’re pleasantly surprised.

One of the best things about Toro is that if all the seats in the restaurant are taken, the staff are willing to bring the food to you.

“We have a 70 item take-out menu. Almost our whole menu is available for take-out,” says Reynolds. “And we deliver anywhere in the village.”

If you’re tired of the usual burgers and fries, Toro is a unique dining experience sure to delight you. With friendly local staff, a jam-packed menu and eat-in or take-out options, this little taste of Asia at Sun Peaks is not to be missed. Reynolds and Bertram will have your table ready for you, so be sure to stop by the kitchen to say hello.

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