Sizzle Mongolian Grill is synonymous with fresh ingredients, and grilling and seasoning to personal perfection.
That’s why it is the perfect spot for a healthy meal to kick off 2022 in the next couple days.
Sizzle is located in the Econo Lodge (or the old Cassio’s) in the West End. It’s on the edge of town on Lorne Street, near the turn-off to Dynamic Earth.
The restaurant is locally owned. One of the owners, Jay Polano, got the idea for Sizzle from working at a similar concept restaurant in Whistler years ago.
The premise is that you pick up a stainless steel bowl and build your own stir fry with an array of meat including local Tarini’s sausages, seafood, and vegetables.
You also choose your own noodle starch with options like chow mein, lo mein or Cantonese noodles. But remember that your seating comes with complimentary hot rice so don’t overload.
Then to make your bowl even more personal, there are also dressings and homemade oils galore and garnishes like sunflower seeds, pineapple or bean sprouts.
It’s all then weighed and cooked on the Mongolian Grill by expert grillers making it “extremely flavourful,” said Donna Gionet. What’s cool is you can watch you meal being stir-fried right in front of you on the restaurant’s enormous round griddle.
Gionet has been the manager at Sizzle since its inception in 2013. She has considerable experience as a server in Sudbury, with a background at places like the Keg, PM Kouzzinas and Timberwolf Golf Club.
She said what keeps customers coming back is that the menu really has something for everyone.
“Even the picky eater who is never happy will want to come back,” she said.
“Customers like that it is healthy and they are an active participant in making their meal in their own bowl. If they have allergies or are dieting, there are a lot of options. All age groups are satisfied with their meal and big and small eaters alike are thrilled.”
Another item that can be ordered is the chicken thai soup, which Gionet said is a big seller.
There are also specialty coffees and signature cocktails, like the Cherry Blossom, to wash down your meal. And she said the turtle cheesecake dessert always amazes customers because it is gluten-free.
The restaurant has had to adapt thanks to the pandemic. The self-serving model now includes disposable gloves as part of the line-up.
She said many customers have opted to take out their personalised stir fry, which was a surprise. Orders can be called in for pick-up. Orders for delivery can be placed with DoorDash and Skip the Dishes.
Gionet said seniors make-up a huge part of the clientele. They come for the freshness and a meal built but not cooked by them.
“We know these customers by name — like our friend Mario. He is the first to come in every Friday night and is seated at table 11. He starts each meal with his saying: ‘Friday night is alright!’ ”
And after nine years, Gionet said she has come to know many of the customers by name and she is hoping to be able to see more of them face-to-face again in 2022.
Sizzle is located 1145 Lorne Street. Order online at SizzleSudbury.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s open for dinner from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Anastasia Rioux is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury.
