107992 Thu Aug 12 11:13:03 -0700 2004 6 24 Canada 0 583710 Hi all, We're headed to Vancouver next week followed by a nice long stay at Point No Point resort (is this place really as wonderful as it looks in pictures? I hope! :) I've been saving all your great reccomendations and noticed several of you mentioned "izakaya style dining" -- what is it? and where's the best palce for it? Thanks a bunch! Thu Aug 12 11:13:03 -0700 2004 0 KellyBelly 1 583716 Izakaya is Japanese small-plates dining, kinda like going for tapas. Extremely popular in Vancouver, price conscious and delicious. There are several strong contenders to choose from. In the downtown core is the Guu triumvirate, each with a different atmosphere and different menu offerings. My pick would be Guu with Garlic on the west end of Robson Street one block from Denman. There's also Guu on Thurlow, a number of blocks east along Robson. And then Kitanoya Guu with Otokomae in Gastown. Hapa Izakaya is also on Robson Street, still loud, noisy and fun but a touch more sleek and upscale than the Guu restaurants. Was there two nights ago and shared the rice noodle roll with crab and avocado, negitoro with garlic toast, delicate grilled seabass, and a "rice omelette" served in a hot stone bowl. Haven't yet tried Shiru-Bay/Chopstick Cafe, the newest izakaya restaurant in Yaletown. At the opposite end of town on Oak Street is Japone. Pricey as far as izakaya dining goes but still great food. On my last visit, the Chef's Specials menu included this incredibly tender pork encased in a puff pastry and drizzled with a sweet savoury sauce... wish I could remember the name but the dish itself was memorable. However, my absolute favourite izakaya restaurant is Yuji's, just across the bridge from downtown on West 4th Avenue. Choice dishes include the maguro mille-feuille, tuna and salmon wasabi tempura, either their mango or kiwi roll, and crab and avocado sushi gratin (a delicate baked dish with layered sushi rice, crab, avocado, and an unbelievable sauce topping). Lots to choose from, but definitely choose one! Let us know what you pick. Link: http://www.evevancouver.ca/food/kitsilano.htm#Yuji Thu Aug 12 13:09:21 -0700 2004 583710 0 Mooshmouse 2 583724 Some info below-be aware these places are quite popular and may not take ressies-which can result in hour long waits. Link: http://www.kitanoya.ca/Guu_for_user/index.html Image: http://www.kitanoya.ca/Guu_for_user/images/location2_03.gif Thu Aug 12 21:04:21 -0700 2004 583716 0 Sam Salmon 3 583726 As far as I know, neither the Guu restaurants nor Hapa Izakaya take reservations. Dining there during primetime dinner hours can result in a wait; however, bear in mind that you're on Robson Street. Put your name down on the list and go for a stroll... lots to keep you occupied while you wait. The longest I've ever been in line for seating, which is rare for me, is 15-20 minutes. However, if you're up for either an early or late dinner and are willing to sit at the sushi bar, wait times are usually minimal. However, you can make reservations at both Yuji's and Japone. Am unsure about Shiru-Bay. Fri Aug 13 02:56:34 -0700 2004 583724 0 Mooshmouse 4 583765 You are able to make reservations at both Guu W/ Garlic and the Guu in Gastown. There might be a minimum number of reservations on the weekends so be sure to call in advance. Tue Aug 17 22:57:36 -0700 2004 583726 0 JWh 1 583742 The Guus and Hapa are great but in my opnion Shiru Bay Chopstick Café in Yaletown has by far the best kitchen. Go for the chili mayo prawns if nothing else! Audrey Sat Aug 14 14:11:48 -0700 2004 583710 0 audrey II 2 583782 I will second the recommendation for Shiru Bay. Very good food and reasonable prices. Wed Aug 18 23:25:01 -0700 2004 583742 0 glitter