Casual early dinner near Centre on Canada Day?

I am starting to plan my brief Vancouver vacation, am getting excited, and thanks to SFChowhound RWCFoodie for the great posts! Seems like half the SF Chow group is or will be in Vancouver this summer...

Anyway, we already have reservations one night at West, and otherwise want will focus a lot on dumplings, dim sum, probably head out to Richmond one day just to eat...

But here's a special request: am looking for a place near the Centre for the Performing Arts (how nice that our stay coincides with the jazz festival!) for an early (arouond 5 or 5:30) dinner on July 1. Would prefer not to dress up, would prefer moderate but price less a factor than keeping it casual ..since we don't want to miss the show, looking for somewhere that will take reservations, and that is open on the holiday...Prefer seafood, Asian or Asian fusion: and really good Thai would be great since that is hard to find in SF...sushi fine also.

Your suggestions appreciated! TIA...

People seem to have the Asian fusion thing covered, so I'll take the "really good Thai" angle.

Simply Thai on Hamilton Street in Yaletown would definitely fit the bill. I've noted their website below.

Link: http://www.simplythairestaurant.com/

I appreciate all the suggestions, and keep them coming! We are also staying Downtown, so any we don't try that night will go on the list for other lunches or dinners...Thanks!

What dishes do you particularly recommend we try at Simply Thai?

Downtown a few MUST try's are:

JAPANESE (not sushi, but Izakaya / Yakitori styles
-Guu (any location, but be prepared to wait for a table)
-Gyoza King
-Zakkushi

Pizza
-Nats Pizza on Denman (more take out place, but you can eat in)

Korean
-Jang Mo Jib (Robson Street - nothing fancy infact kinda run down, but the all Korean crowd is a sure sign the food is good)

Steak
-Hy's

My favorite by a long shot is GUU (never had a bad meal. The prices are great, the atmosphere can not be beat and the taste is amazing!!!!!)

I recommend Kei's (Asian Fusion) on Davie (near Homer). It's a lovely little spot about 5 short blocks south on Homer and one block west.

You're also a few blocks from Yaletown - foodie heaven. Check out the eateries in the area, you can't go wrong.

Happy eating!

Where is the Center For Perfoming Arts? Downtown Vancouver?

yes, on Homer Street....

GUU in Gas Town (located on Water St) It is a 10 minute walk / 5 minute cab from the Ceter To Performing Arts and is very good! Nothing to fancy, great atmosphere and amazing food at great prices.