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I'm Having a Japanese Food Baby!
I eat an obscene amount of Japanese food..almost traitorous to my Chinese culture. So what's left to do but share my Japanese food fetish with the rest of you folks? Enjoy!
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13 Places
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Sheryl’s 4-star review: Still in love with the soft-boiled, organic egg. Still annoyed I only get half of it and there is no take-out container option, which means I have to force myself to down the whole bowl and leave extremely bloated from ramen broth. I have since started bringing my own Tupperware and caring less about the odd looks I get from the servers. I think they've warmed up to me (the weird-Asian-girl-who-brings-her-own-container). Went with BH yesterday after a 4 hour bike ride on the seawall. I found the broth (for the first time in many, many times) to be a lot on the salty side and the extra bbq pork wasn't quite up to par. I'm gonna chalk it up to going in at the awkward time between lunch and dinner...and a fluke. Otherwise, the ramen's consistency and texture were still A+. Word of the wise: Go somewhere with comfortable, padded seats (NOT Motomachi) after a long bike ride. Your bum will thank you. -
Sheryl’s 5-star review: Dropped in last night to order just the soft shell crab, only to find out that they only have in a maki roll format. No problem, says the wonderful hostess, we can do it for you on its own. Fantastic service, the crab was a generous portion. She was so wonderful I decided to voluntarily upsell myself (happens a lot closer to Christmas where I Christmas shop like this: one for you...and one for me!) and ordered the Rock n Roll maki as well, turned out to be an equally generous and decadent experience. This place is growing on me, which is dangerous as I practically live just across the street! -
Sheryl’s 4-star review: After $4.50 worth of coins were piped into the parking meter, we arrived at Guu to find it quite bustling on a Tuesday evening. A chorus of servers greeting us loudly in Japanese and I felt myself transform into a pigtailed, anime super heroine in this anime universe filled with cute cartoon characters. I half expected Hello Kitty and Kerokeroppi to pop up, my Sanrio friends from childhood. Everyone genuinely looked happy to be there, patrons and staff alike. I quickly ordered a Lychee/Calpico milky martini and a double order of plum wine and proceeded to revel in the cheery atmosphere. From this point on, everything was a blur. Just kidding. I didn't realize I showed too much enthusiasm ordering until the server stopped me and said we should pace ourselves. True enough, platters of beef ribs, salmon tataki, chicken karaage, grilled squid/shrimp, pumpkin croquettes and bbq pork bowls flowed forth. It was more than enough food to banish the existential issues brought about by Barney's Version. Everything was quite savoury and tasty. Not that it's the restaurant's fault, but I'm not a huge fan of communal seating and unfortunately for us, we were seated at the bar. Seated across us was this raven-haired, Caucasian lady with her UFC-looking man-friend. I don't know what distracted me from enjoying my food more, her very ample boobs staring back at me or the question-and-answer-portion-with-matching-confused-looks she gave at everything the guy ordered (octopus? what is that? Sashimi? Are you sure that's safe to eat?). As well, seated adjacent to me were these two obnoxiously loud Filipino guys and their quiet Japanese friend. The two guys kept trading cultural barbs with the servers including asking (many, many, many) times if the servers knew his name because he is apparently a "regular". Seriously. I wanted to yell out at him in FIlipino and shove his face into the tofu. Breathe. I rationalized that this is why God made me into a 5 foot nothing lady. Ok, I'm fine now. I get that it's a loud place but loud does not equal obnoxious. Will be back but with our own table next time! -
Sheryl’s 2-star review: I don't know why we didn't learn our lesson from Hapa Izakaya in Kits. This place was more expensive, probably because of its waterfront location in Gastown. Long story short...if you have to go to Wendy's after a $105 bill (with tip, taxes and 3 alcoholic drinks) because a Baconator is more satisfying, it's not good. As with their Kits location, the food was bloody expensive and ridiculously mediocre. Lobster mango roll - $18.50 deep fried all around, slathered with mayo, mango nowhere to be found. Heritage Angus beef - $15 for about 7-8 pieces of sliced steak, again poorly drenched in a soy sauce concoction. Edamame Ricotta Ravioli - 5 tiny little pieces. Do you folks know how fucking cheap edamame and flour is?! The truffle oil was a nice touch but that was about it. Take your money to Chill Winston if you're wanting the ambience. Take your money to Guu if you want the food. Take your money to Cioppinos or Araxi if you want to spend well AND eat well. In fact, just kinda take your money anywhere else but their chains, unless you're wanting to impress a date with light, pricey tapas in the hopes of getting laid. The only thing worth the money last night were our well-made drinks. So yeah, maybe it's a great date place, except hope your date's a cheap drunk or plan to empty your TFSA.
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Sheryl’s 3-star review: Two hungry pms-ing ladies, 4 empty tables and a long wait does not make for a guuud time. Thank God the food more than made up for the English-speaking inability of the host. Compared to their other locations, this place felt unwelcoming. We were met with blank looks instead of cheerful, loud yelling. Not to mention the Japanese dude managing the wait line was a tad hostile, which by the way, is so contradictory to an authentic Japanese experience. Aren't Japanese people supposed to be super sweet and super polite? This guy made a snarling Denny's hostess to be a five-star hospitality experience. At least that's part of an authentic Denny's experience! Basically, we waited almost an hour with two other groups while there were 4 empty tables in the resto. A brunette from the other group repeatedly asked the host how long the wait time is and whether they should wait. My girlfriend and I chimed in and asked about the empty tables. We were given an incomprehensible answer on how those tables were reserved and that they don't take reservations past a certain time. Okaaay. Well that didn't answer the brunette's question that's for sure. Also repeatedly answering "10 minutes wait time" after an hour does NOT make it true. My point is, if you're about to lose 3 groups of people holding "reserved tables" for more than an hour, you gotta rethink your reservation strategy (or simply your host's communication skills). On the very bright side, the mushroom/cheese bibimbap among other goodies presented at our table gladdened our hearts and encouraged us to return another time. -
Sheryl’s 3-star review: We've been super keen on trying Hapa Umi in Gastown but for some reason ended up here one Friday night instead. I had delusions that parking in Kits would be a) cheaper and b) easier than skytraining it to Gastown. I also haven't gotten over a $70 parking ticket I received from being 4 minutes and 13 seconds overdue parking on West Cordova the last time we attempted to go to Hapa Umi (turned out they were closed; we walked by the waterfront instead). It is SOOOO unfair. If I had chanced upon the evil meter man, I would have asked him, "have you never been late in your life??! (*&#Q@!". Sadly, I did not get that opportunity because he's always like the headless horseman disappearing into the night. So...that's the story of how we got to Hapa Kits. This one has chic dark interiors that made it super intimate and cozy for date nights...or a secret rendezvous where you role play meeting a "stranger" in a bar. The table adjacent to ours had an obviously newly-dating couple who needed to get a room, as well as manners lessons in the art of public discourse. For instance, the man should not have told the woman in public that "she's more special than his ex could ever be because his ex was a raving bitch and that he can see himself loving her more than he's ever loved anyone else he's ever dated". You don't trash previous employers, why would you trash somebody who's shared your bed? Emily Post would not approve. As well, it's a family-oriented enough place where Kits yuppies introduce their children to Japanese culinary adventures in a safe and non-threatening environment (T&T comes to mind when I think of threatening environments). I felt a strange sense of pride (being non-Japanese) to see the 5-year old kid at the table beside us eagerly digging into agedashi tofu. I was also internally applauding the parents for raising a cultured child. One of the best reasons I can think of to raise kids in Vancouver. Anyhoo, food was passable but mediocre for the price they were charging. I've had tastier and cheaper at other izakayas. We had the duck pomegranate which didn't disappoint my tastebuds but bh's yaki udon was a never-order-again item. Our server seemed to be the one person attending to 7 different tables and though she did a good job of consistently apologizing to us at every turn, having to wait 15 minutes to get our drink orders started was not the most charming situation during a Canucks game. Also, how about hire more servers on a busy Friday night/Canucks game night so the lovely one we had doesn't have to keep apologizing? Other than this, I'd probably return to Hapa Kits for the ambience alone. After all, Japanese tapas, sake and a walk on Kits beach after is always a pretty good date night. -
Sheryl’s 4-star review: Don't be intimidated by the prices and the slightly unfamiliar Japanese menu. It's not that expensive. I suppose this depends on how much you can eat. Our bill came to $85 for a party of four and a toddler (without the tip) and it's pretty average for a nice dinner out in Vancouver, especially in that area. That bill includes several round of alcoholic drinks too. The food delivered was as expected, fresh, flavourful and perfectly smoky from the grill. I'm a huge fan of the Kobe beef meatballs, any chicken/beef/pork skewer, the quail egg skewer and the smoked mackerel. Beware the grilled mackerel though, it's not for the casual fish fan because it's quite pungent. If you must try it, get it with the chicken teriyaki bowl to balance it out. The drinks are cheaper compared to Western restaurants in the area, about $4.80 for cocktails and plum wine. However, don't be fooled by the prices, drinks are served in smallish quantities (except for the giant Asahi beer bottle served at the table beside us). If you drop by, the plum wine and the lychee/orange juice vodka cocktails are delish. Tip: Go when they've just opened to beat the crowds and get better service. Also, don't be offended when the server gives you a time ultimatum (two hours and you're out). It's just a really small place and with the commercial rent in that area, they can't afford to have customers just lingering without ordering anything more. -
Sheryl’s 3-star review: I never thought it was possible to inhale Japanese food, with its dainty presentations, until a week ago. But inhale is what HB and I did, when we arrived, delusional from self-inflicted hunger that day (what, is that a talking fish by the restaurant door waving to us?!). We parked right in front of their entrance and walked in as soon as they opened at 4:30PM for dinner. I don't think I've ever been that excited to walk into a restaurant. Ah, the things that happen to me when I sell stuff on Craigslist and have to go meet people in Surrey! The place looked good, inviting and would be a nice lunch/dinner spot to meet up with friends for sushi and conversation. I was fairly impressed with how the place quickly filled up as soon as they opened! It was 4:45PM and there were already about 5 tables. My Red Dragon roll (Spicy tuna, prawn tempura, smoked salmon, seared tuna on the top with peanut-mayo, wasabi-mayo & Japanese plum sauce) was spectacular; it had to be, it cost $15! (At my regular Japanese place, this exact thing called by another name would only have cost me $9) The assorted tempura and scallop motoyaki were standard fare, although I've had "proper" scallop motoyaki before and it usually comes as scallop on shell + cheesy mayo motoyaki on top and NOT a tiny, little sauce bowl with chopped up bits of scallop + sauce ($7). It is a meal after all and not an afterthought. Finally, the chicken karaage ($6.95) is basically just deep fried wings, again, not the "proper" karaage where the chef makes an effort to form chicken into delicious deep fried balls. If you like your wings with a teensy pinch of salt and deep fried, you'd probably like the karaage. I like my food to be a lot more flavourful than that. Three stars for ambiance, service and the fantastic sushi roll in Surrey.. minus 2 stars for being exceedingly pricey and the other mediocre fare. -
Sheryl’s 3-star review: I almost gave this place two stars...then thought they deserve at least 3 for the effort. Any place that makes broth from scratch has my respect and is worth at least 3 stars, no matter how salty that broth is. I ordered a combo Shio ramen bowl and Salmon rice bowl and found the ramen to be close to inedible. Before you lecture me on what Shio ramen is, yes I know, it's "salt" ramen. But I order the same thing at Motomachi (with extra bbq pork!) everytime and it's love again and again. Alas, not for Ramen Santouka. I concur with Crystal H. on Motomachi loyalty and undying affection for their organic eggs and ramen. The only thing I find wonderful about this place is they have more variety on their menu (a variety of rice bowls and appys) and they do rice/ramen combos, which I prefer when I'm dying to carbo overload. -
Sheryl’s 5-star review: So back in late August, I did strongarm BH into a dinner at Minami. We attempted a dinner there anyway. It was such a sweltering August day that I couldn't even bear to sit on their street front patio, so "attempt" is the key word here. I was sweating, quite literally, like a pig. Despite the fact that we ended up having dinner at an airconditioned Cactus Club (it was certainly cooler there anyway despite being packed on a Saturday night), Minami's servers thoroughly impressed in customer service. The lovely Asian server offered several times to bring over some cold water, though it was obvious at that point we weren't staying. Their front house hostesses came over to see if they could move us somewhere cooler. Alas, I wasn't meant to have aburi sushi that night but I've been back several times for take-out. I have nothing but mad, mad love for Minami's customer service. That kind of attention is the gold standard in service and definitely cemented their restaurant as my go-to Japanese fine dining in this city. Sometimes, it really is as simple as "treat others how you want to be treated." -
Sheryl’s 2-star review: I was on a sushi kick two weeks ago and after a quick search on Yelp, found this place. We came in around 5:30PM to an empty restaurant and we were motioned to sit wherever we want. Now, I don't know what got our server's panties in a bunch but the service we got made this dining experience very memorable and not in a good way. The attitude we got was almost comical. BH and I were half expecting a cameraman and host from Ellen to pop out and say they're doing a prank segment on how people react to pissy waitresses. I'm thinking it was the owner and his wife, with the owner being the sushi chef behind the counter. They were clearly looking for people as about four girls came in to drop off their resumes in the hour or so that we were there. Anyway, this woman just looked like she'd rather be doing her nails than serving anybody anything. Being a truely polite Canuck, my husband actually stood up to approach our server to ask for a spoon because we couldn't seem to catch her eye to come over. Funny serving bowls of miso soup without even asking if you'd like the option of spooning it into your mouth (as opposed to slurping it from the bowl). Anyway, she then motioned over the counter where BH can grab a spoon (after a paltry attempt to meet him halfway to hand him the spoon). I didn't realize we were at a cafeteria. The entire time we were playing a guessing game as to what's eating her, with BH asking me repeatedly "why is she mad at us?". The only time she began to perk up and make a futile attempt at conversation was...you guessed right. Bill paying time. In hindsight, I should have videotaped it with my Iphone just so everyone can visually understand what I mean. And having an Ellen camera come out would have made the experience so much better. Which is all tragic because our sushi rolls were fantastic in taste and portions. Truly good fusion rolls (Titanic and Las Vegas). Go for the specialty rolls and skip the bento boxes. BH got the orange chicken bento and it was bordering inedible. Deep fried chicken balls in a sickly sweet sauce. -
Sheryl’s 3-star review: I don't mind paying for amazing sushi but I don't like walking out of anywhere feeling ripped off. Ever since I got a taste of a true fusion roll at Blue Fin in Bellingham, I've had a strong hankering for some kind of deep fried sushi with cream cheese (picture: http://www.yelp.ca/biz_photos/XQlXbhRIJn4LtfDGnv3XCw?select=ZaRX8Yri9CTEuhquW5ww7w#HXjo6ol6EQPFA9PsOe65-Q). Enter Sango's Las Vegas roll. Described as a "deep fried roll with assorted fish and cream cheese", I thought it would be a good post yoga treat. I got it to go and was dismayed by the 5 pieces of sushi in the styrofoam container when I got home. Now, I realize presentation is always different when you dine in but this doesn't even look like the same quantity that you would get if you did dine in. What irks me is that I get stellar attention (dine in AND take out) when BH is with me but when it's just me, it's like I'm a non-entity at that place. I got the impression that you get treated better in there if you're Caucasian. It annoyed the hell out of me because I got this just when they opened and I was the only customer in there. Now that I got the Las Vegas Roll rant out of the way, I should point out that I have been to Sango many, many times. When you do dine-in, the portions are always good (for ex. Red Dragon and Hot Night rolls) and the presentation magnificent. When I do take out with BH, my to-go portions are always huge. They actually make pretty decent fusion rolls for this area but if you're looking for real, fresh sushi, there are plenty of cheaper and better places 5-10 minutes away. Oh and bring a white friend/partner with you. Ugh. -
Sheryl’s 4-star review: I can believe why this place isn't on Yelp yet. I didn't even know this place existed until last week, when we had a send off dinner for a departing coworker. It's located in the same plaza as the White Spot on Lougheed Highway (going to Poco). Left on Westwood from Lougheed, first left onto Crabbe Rd then the plaza is first left again. Plenty of free parking. A sweeter bonus: Pearl Fever is right in the same plaza...sushi, sake and bubble tea after is pretty much my idea of a weekday trifecta. Since then, I've been back several times for the freshest, yummiest Japanese delights this part of town. I'm pretty sure it is an authentically-owned-by-Japanese-people place. You can hear the chefs and all the servers communicating with each other in Japanese. Their sushi menu is nothing extraordinary, it's a bit year 2000, though they do it well too. What's really spectacular about this place is how insanely fresh (and CHEAP!) their sashimi dishes are and how well they do Japanese barbeque (order bbq salmon belly, mackerel, eggplant). Please don't go if you're just gonna order teriyaki something. No, no, no. You hafta, hafta, hafta have the sashimi, the changing daily specials and some hot sake! The food is 5+ stars for simplicity, elegance and what-Japanese-sashimi-in-5-star-hotels-taste-like authenticity (order uni, unagi, spicy tuna, hotate or chirashi). Don't ever do what I did today. Didn't phone in advance to order for pick up and ended up waiting around forever in a very filled-to-capacity restaurant on a Friday night. Hey it's almost Poco, not Gastown...honestly didn't think they'd be that busy. It is a small space they have and I ended up chatting with some of the people waiting for tables. There is absolutely zero waiting space (but I promise it's worth the wait). I initially seated myself at the bar, ordered my takeaway and was watching the chefs do their magic until one of the servers shooed me saying "wait over there, customers coming to sit at the bar". Apparently, I'm not a customer?! Usually I'm offered tea while waiting for take away. Fortunately, being well-versed in Asian communication styles, I didn't take (much) offense. I get it, it's a busy Friday night and I'm not an "eat-in" customer. Didn't need to be sent to "the corner" like a kid being punished. Other than this, I promise they haven't seen the last of me.
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