I can't quite remember how it happened, but my mom and I found ourselves looking for lunch at UP Town Center on a sunny weekday. We decided to eat at Torch because a quick scan of the menu on display outside looked promising. When we sat inside, it immediately became clear that Torch isn't one to put itself in a box: there are all sorts of cuisines here: American, Spanish, Japanese, Filipino, and Italian that are often combined into some crazy dish ideas that wink at you from the menu and say "You know you want some of this."
I ordered the angus shiitake roll, while my mom, being a mom, was more traditional and played it a little safer by getting the angus beef tapa. Our food took a little longer than expected to arrive, but that was probably because the restaurant was packed. Yes, on a weekday, Torch was totally full [mostly full of titas having sushi for brunch]. Good thing there were some fancy complementary pretzels to keep us distracted while waiting.
Damn son, my food was so good! I honestly didn't know what to expect, but the big bowl of beef rolled around mushrooms and leeks with fried rice was delicious. I think I tasted some kombu in the sauce??? Normally I despise seaweed, but the taste was perfect in this dish. And yes, my mom's tapa was good too, but nowhere near as awesome as mine. Sorry Mom.
Now we have to come back as a complete family so Dad and my younger siblings can try the creative marvel that is Torch. read more