I already enjoyed an amazing couple of days in Toronto and it was only gonna get better! That Monday started off with lunch at Kinka Izakaya, an izakaya-style Japanese restaurant serving small plates and drinks in a lively atmosphere. There are a few locations in Toronto, as well as a couple in Tokyo and one in Seoul.
There were only a few people during the time I went. I took a seat at the counter overlooking the kitchen. I loved the Japanese-style bar atmosphere. It reminded me of a couple places I enjoyed in Japan.
I ordered the Karagge Teishoku from the lunch menu. The deep-fried soy sauce marinated chicken was served with garlic mayo and a bowl of miso soup and rice.
I also tried the Yaki Udon – pan-fried wheat flour noodles with scallions, mushrooms, and beef. Both dishes were good and just what I needed after another late night.
The main event was later that evening, so I got ready for the 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Gala. The celebration and cocktail reception took place inside the Hockey Hall of Fame. Got my ticket!
I met up with my new friend that introduced me to Willie’ O’Ree and we walked on over. I checked my jacket and we walked down the red carpet leading to the escalators downstairs where various food stations and bars were set up.
It was such a cool experience wandering around the Hockey Hall of Fame with a drink in hand enjoying the tasty food. I was all about the sushi and lobster. Yes, please!
When it was time for the induction ceremony to begin, we decided to head to the Great Hall and watch it with Lord Stanley. Drinking wine, eating lobsters, and hanging out with the greatest trophy in all of sports to watch the ceremony was awesome!
After the celebration, the inductees walked the red carpet towards the Hall of Fame and we had a chance to mingle with the legends and the who’s who of hockey. I had a chance to meet Ken Daneyko and Keeper of the Cup, Phil Pritchard.
After the Gala, we went to the hotel lobby where I was lucky enough to hang out with Willie O’Ree again. He was introduced to his very own bobblehead. Very cool! I also got to meet Scott Stevens, Martin St. Louis, and Vincent Lecavalier.
It was another night of pure hockey bliss! We ended up hanging out at the lobby bar for the remainder of the evening and chatting with everybody around. It was such an incredible night!
Kinka Izakaya
398 Church Street
Toronto, ON M5B 2A2, Canada
+1 416-977-0999
Website
Hockey Hall of Fame
Brookfield Place
30 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada
Website
