109096 Wed Jan 25 13:36:17 -0800 2006 5 57 Western Canada 0 588716 This place sounds nice -- how is the vibe? does it have comfy booths like the izakayas in Tokyo? how is the sashimi? Thanks... Wed Jan 25 13:36:17 -0800 2006 0 Simon 1 588743 Hi, The Hapa Izakaya is quite a hip Japanese Tapas joint, great seletion of share dishes, atmousphere is young and loud so it's perfect for hanging out with good friends and not have people going "shhhhhh" (the music can get a bit too loud at times though), coz you can expect to be greated very warmly and, again, loudly, by all the staff as soon as you walk in ("IrashaimaSEHHHH!!!!!!") You'll find dishes ranging from marinaded sashimi to grilled kobe beef to mushroom rice served in a piping hot stone bowl, and although they have one or two 'plain' sashimi selections, I highly recommend you to go for their marinaded or 'sauced' versions (you can have sashimi another time :D). Cold sake is served in a very cool bamboo container, haven't tried other drinks other than the plum wine. Food is served quite quickly, so you usually don't have to sit there waiting for too long. Seating is more of table settings with one side on a bench, and there is a row of 'bar' seats ideal for couples, but you'll literally be facing a bar wall the whole night, but the good food makes up for it. There are no booths like the regular izakaya places though, it's more of a trendy, dark, noisy kind of arrangement. Also bear in mind that you cannot make reservations for 6pm-8pm, so you have to pray that you arrived early enough to get a seat. The irony however is that they accept reservations "up until 5.59pm, and then 8.01pm onwards", go figure. This brief review doesn't do the place justice, just go there and see :D (you can tell I'm a big fan of Hapa) Sat Jan 28 12:08:56 -0800 2006 588716 0 Crayon 2 588745 I would go down the street to either Guu, Gyoza King or Zakkushi. These 3 places are far batter in terms of food - and atmosphere. The food at Hapa is average at best and the service is horrible. Go where the line ups are - that must mean something no? Guu opens at 5:30 and take reservations if you call ahead. Same goes for Gyoza King. I am not to sure about Zakkushi in terms of reservations - but all in all any of the above 3 places far exceed Hapa. Sat Jan 28 22:30:36 -0800 2006 588743 0 JWh 3 588754 thanks for your thoughts... What is the food at Guu like?...is the vibe there comfier?... Sun Jan 29 22:40:53 -0800 2006 588745 0 Simon 4 588758 In answer to your Guu question, I've linked my post below. I LOVE GUU!!!!! Atmosphere at the Robson location is casual, hopping, friendly, fun. I've also heard great things about Gyoza King but was unable to pull myself out from under Guu's spell. Enjoy!! Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/109063#588547 Mon Jan 30 10:19:00 -0800 2006 588754 0 peppermint pate 5 588772 I second that - I LOVE GUU! The food at Guu is true japanese izakaya style (smaller dishes, ment to be shared and all compliment beer / booze. Some menu highlights are: -Tuna Tataki -Pumkin Croqutte -Grilled Yellow Tail -Calamari -Almond Tofu Go and enjoy!!!! Mon Jan 30 23:02:07 -0800 2006 588758 0 JWh