Posh

Posted on June 23, 2008 by Lynn Bee

Posh 

101-1788 West Broadway (Broadway and Burrard), Vancouver

604.737.POSH(7674)

Posh is a tasty treat and easy on the pocketbook. It’s japanese all-you-can-eat sukiyaki for $14/person dinner or $10/person lunch. Sukiyaki is Japanese hot-pot originating from the seventh century; where people  cooked meat on an iron grill. At Posh you will order from a list of 35 delicious items and dump it all in a hot pot right at your table where the food is cooked in a mixture of water and soy/sukiyaki sauce. Posh also has a special spicy Taiwanese hot-pot which has 15 Chinese herbs and 4 varieties of chilies. 

The available meats are pork shoulder and a fabulously thin alberta beef. Go ahead and try both — but I found that the beef was amazingly succulent with the sukiyaki sauce flavor. I believe the 4 of us had 13 orders of the beef alone.

Of the other 35 items: The cabbage was surprisingly good, I could very much go for more of the mushrooms (3 varieties), and the yam, taro, rice cakes, bean curd and konjac rolls were delightful. Nothing was really bad – I wasn’t willing to try the raw egg and I didn’t care much for the bamboo shoots. Otherwise, all was goodly.

The service at Posh was above what I expected – friendly, and very polite young people making sure we knew what were doing. They asked if we understood (as I am familiar with Korean Shabu-shabu, I got the gist right away), and then they offered to bring out a sample platter of each item so we could try everything and inquire about the items we really liked and/or wanted to avoid.

The only thing I really wished for that wasn’t available was any sort of seafood option. And I have to give their Black Fungus cutting skills 3 thumbs down ( the bottom area is supposed to be separated and discarded — not served. If not removed, an unpleasant grittiness will find it’s way into your mouth).

And, as a general rule — wait to stuff your face. Just out of the pot an into your bowl the food is startlingly hot and will burn your tongue. Also, don’t be a jerk — they will charge you extra for wasted meat. 

I would definitely go back. This large restaurant is a perfect spot for fun time, casual dinning with friends. Though they also have a semi private room/area for  special occasions — I wouldn’t go there for anything fancier than perhaps a birthday. Don’t be tricked by the restaurant’s name; it’s just not that fancy — a wedding?! Bahaha! I think NOT!

 

Parking: Underground and street metered available

Open: From 11.30am each day until 11pm (and open until midnight on party nights).

There are also locations in Richmond (sexsmith road) and Burnaby (the kingsway).

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Perfect pairing:

Weezer –  Weezer (the blue album)

or

The Get Up Kids – On a wire

This emo fueled album is perfect for reminiscing about college romances.

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Lolita’s/Me & Julio

Posted on June 21, 2008 by Lynn Bee

Lolita’s South of the Border Cantina

1326 Davie St, Vancouver

604.696.9996

Website

PLEASE NOTE: Me and Juilo’s has since closed

Me & Julio: Modern Mexican Kitchen and Cantina

2095 Commercial Drive (Commercial and 5th), Vancouver

604.696.9997

Website

Why am I putting these two together? Because they have the same owners, same executive chef, same ideas, and same awesomeness. I’m strongly recommending both. But especially Lolita’s.

Both places are all about the modern mexican, good vibes, and rockular food made from scratch everyday. I’ve always had a great times at both places. Me & Julio’s is pretty much an expanded version of Lolita’s — it’s a 90 seater plus they have a patio! However, it doesn’t matter how big the place is — the creators of these restaurants are geniuses and these places are always packed. As they should be. Yes, you’ll probably have to wait. Yes, it’s worth it.

Both places have a soup and salad menu with the cornbread caesar salad ($9) and tortilla soup ($8, thicker and more tomato-y than the traditional). There are a few differences between the two places — where Lolita’s offers a steak salad ($15) and a chicken spinach dish ($11) Me & Julio’s presents the squid and chorizo salad ($10).  Both places have the chips with guacamole appetizer that you have to get ($9). The guacamole at these places is so freaking amazing – if you’re anything like me you’ll want to stab people with your fork when they reach for it. But be wise — don’t listen to other reviewers who think the dip is moldy (underneath the guac is a layer of black beans). If you’re not into avocados, then try the tres salsas ($7) you’ll get a basket of crisp chili-dusted tortillas chips to dip into 3 tasty fresh made salsas. Don’t fret — they’ll bring you more chips if you need ’em to finish off the salsas. Or, for a third option try the beef taquitos ($11). Warning! You’ll wish the portions were bigger if you’re willing to share this delightful treat. So SO good!

Yes, the entrees. Get anything – it’ll be good. For $15-22 you’ll get filled up with a delicious twist on traditional mexican dishes.

At Lolita’s I’d recommend the taco special ($16). You get to pick any two from this wacky variety:

  • maple chipotle butternut squash, wild mushroom and chile salsa verde
  • crispy pan seared halibut with mango salsa
  • sauteed baby shrimp, grilled pinapple and rum salsa
  • pulled anchiote chicken with salsa verde and crema
  • carne asade (grilled steak) with fresh pico de gallo
  • ground beef and chorizo with pomegranate demi-glaze
served with watercress salad, rice and black beans — Me & Julio has almost the exact same thing — but a couple of the options are different, like there’s an artichoke and potato instead of the butternut squash.
Anyway – Lolita’s chile relleno is also awesomest ($16.25, five cheese stuffed poblano pepper, salsa roja and verde served with rice and beans) but there will be a whole habanero hiding in there somewhere – so WATCH OUT! for that.
At Me & Julio I have to recommend you get the Pato Gordo ($18). Check this — it’s a duck confit,  guajilla & star anise-rubbed with bitter greens, pine nuts & currants, manchego cheese & quinoa risotto, blood orange glaze. Absolutely amazing!
But if you get the Jardin con Queso ($15) you won’t be disappointed either: roasted butternut squash, wild mushroom, spinach, chevre & Oaxaca cheese blue corn enchiladas with tomatillo-green chili verde, rice & frijoles. Heck yes, it is as good as it sounds!
Okay – I know all this sounds amazing but I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. Seriously. The drinks! Both places have a selection of over 30 tequilas (shots are served with a refreshing wedge of pineapple, no boring lime here). But my favorite thing is the cocktails. I know they’re $7.75 each – but 100% worth it, especially at Lolita’s. All the drinks are jam packed with fresh fruits and those fun little umbrellas.

Their matador mojito is quite possibly the best mixed drink I’ve ever had (crushed mint and rum with fresh raspberry and blackberry). I also L.O.V.E. the Pina Lolita (fresh coconut and pineapple chunks, coconut rum and pina puree) and the Pom Tango (pomegranate nectar, fresh mandarin wedges, gold tequila and a dash of apricot liquer). By the way, I strongly advise you skip the dessert menu and instead get the Mamacita (white chocolate and kahlua double shot with a bing cherry) which can only be described as a dessert in a glass.

My favorite at Me & Julio’s is the lilikiki (passionfruit & white cranberry nectar, vodka & whole raspberry serenade). The drink menu at Lolita’s is far better — likely because Lolita’s is much more of a cantina with a party feel; whereas, Me & Julio has a really strong restaurant vibe going on.

Either way both places are good times. So what are you waiting for? Going to these places is like a double shot of smooth tequila with a pretty girl as the chaser.

Lolita’s: Monday – Thursday 4.30-2am, Friday – Sun 3pm-2am

PLEASE NOTE: Me and Juilo’s has since closed

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Perfect pairing:

Rilo Kiley – Under the blacklight

or

Truckee Brothers – Double happiness: in pursuit of happiness

The Indie sound of these So-Cal boys is as experienced as it is experimental. The power behind their whiskey rock music will blow you away.


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Sakari

Posted on June 21, 2008 by Lynn Bee

Sakari Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Address: 202-1184 Denman St (upstairs, on the corner of Davie and Denman), Vancouver, BC

Tel: 604.408.7557

OKAY! I have an important update – Sakari is closed – but there is a silver lining to this –> Kadoya took over the spot and opened a location there! WHOOOOO!

But – if you love reading for no reason feel free to read my outdated review of a restaurant that no longer exists:

Anyway, despite having a chipped water glass, spilling tea all over my leg, and almost choking to death on a loose piece of tempura — Sakari was really enjoyable.

Try to get a table outside, because it has a really nice view of the bay. The service was fantastic — after the tea incident I was given repeated apologies (even though I was the one who knocked the tea over), and I got 80 bagillion napkins. The service was fast, ultra friendly, accurate, and all the staff were obviously trying really hard to ensure that we had everything we needed and that we were happy with our food.

They don’t have all you can eat (which is all the rage for some reason). And I don’t consider them to be cheap — but the price is okay. However, they do have a few things that differ from the usual japanese fare like robata and donburi. The robata (japanese B.B.Q.) has everything from eggplant ($3.75) to short ribs ($4.95). The majority of the robata menu is seafood with the most expensive item being the eel for $7.50.

Yea, I went there for dinner tonight. We decided on the veggie tempura to start. But why is there no yam? I have NO idea, instead there is an assortment including green pepper (boo! THE worst of the peppers), carrot, taro, and a variety of squashes. The tempura prices range from $3.50 for the small veggie to $9 for the large prawn. Next up, we went for the assorted sashimi ($10). And it is F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S! I mean it, fabulous to the extreme! Not chewy, not slimy. It’s that melt in your mouth awesomeness you’re always hoping for. Even the surf clam was good — and who really likes surf clam, anyway?

Onto the goods – the maki.

We had the california, spider, sunshine, and caterpillar rolls. The california roll ($4.50) was a gooder. It is made with avocado,  REAL crab and cucumber. Yum! Some of the goodness was due to extra amounts of sesame seeds. Yay for sesame! The spider roll was…uh…okay. Not my favorite, and certainly not worth the $7. The sunshine was nice as well — the mango, prawn, smoked salmon, and basil were really good together. Best for last: the caterpillar roll was so, so, SO kickass! It was totally worth $9. Not only did it have the additional avocado on the outside it also has salmon wrapped around it and that really finely sliced lemon on top that you’ll usually only get at fancy sushi places. Ahhhhh! I wish I was eating another piece of it right now! I wonder if actual caterpillars are that delicious….

Sakari — the service is amazing, the food is good, and the prices are okay. Try it of you’re in the area – but not exactly worth going out of your way for.

I will certainly be going back to Sakari for more sashimi and caterpillars. I’m also looking forward to sampling the robata, agemono, and teriyaki….so much food, so little time!

Open: 11.30am – 11pm daily

….or so I thought! I went back on a holiday Monday at 8.15pm and they wouldn’t seat us – saying they close at 8.30! what a bunch of bull! We ended up going to Don Guacamoles instead.

OKAY! I have an important update – Sakari is closed – but there is a silver lining to this –> Kadoya took over the spot and opened a location there! WHOOOOO!

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Perfect pairing:

Jim Guthrie – Now, more than ever

or

Matt Pond PA – Last light

These hand-clapping, ass-shaking indie rock tunes will make you feel more hopeful about your awkward feelings while raising questions about non-sensical norms.

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Legendary Noodles

Posted on June 13, 2008 by Lynn Bee

Legendary Noodles

Address: 1074 Denman St (at Comox), Vancouver, BC.

Tel: 604.669.8551

The noodles are legendary…and the service is legendarily poor. Though I’ve been here many times and I am always disappointed by the service; I keep going back because the food is pretty damn good and I know all my poor musician friends can afford to join me there.

The noodles are handmade on site and deeeeeeelicious. For $7-13 you will get to choose from over twenty different noodles dishes – and for many you can also choose the noodle size (thin, thick, or flat). Seven of the dishes are veggie. The portions here are huge. And when they say spicy they mean really spicy. I do NOT recommend getting the szchuan chicken flavored ‘extremely spicy’…I don’t even know why that’s an option. However, I do recommend the Dao Xiao Mian (hand cut flour noodle dishes, $9-11.25). Choose from 5 different meat options (or tofu) and add that goodness to your fine noodles, green and red peppers, celery, suey choy, bean sprouts, green onion, ginger root, and soy. And taaaa daaaaa! It’s suddenly that stir fry you’ve been trying to make at home for the last 5 years but still haven’t been able to master.

Eight of the ten available appetizers/sides are vegetarian. For $3-10, expect the usual: green onion pancake, pea shoots, tofu, edamame, dumplings.

If you’re not into noodles, or for some reason not full yet — make sure to add on an order of their amazing dumplings (4-12 pcs, $7.25). A!M!A!Z!I!N!G!

Oh yeah — the drinks!….two things of note: 1- the house tea is really interesting, with tonnes of stuff floating in it (y’know, like flowers and things), 2- they serve zhujiang (my very favorite asian beer). This Chinese lager is not as dry as asahi or sapporo and soooooooooo much more refreshing!

I’ve never had a bad meal at legendary noodles — I’ve just had, rude, poor, forgetful service. I would not go there for a business lunch or anything  — but it does make for a good place to go if you’re half cut with a couple of buddies.

Watch out for the following:

they might randomly insist that they only take cash

they might bring out all the food and then leave one person waiting 15+ minutes for their meal with no explanation

they might wait 25 minutes to bring you your bill

they might not bring you your drinks

they might read a book in the back corner for 10 minutes instead of seating you

they might kill your grandpa

The list goes on and on….so just don’t expect too much of the service. It doesn’t seem to matter which waitress you get — they’re all pretty terrible.

I give Legendary Noodles a rating of Lima Beans for the crappy service but two Smiley Kitties for the tasty food. Go there when you’re broke and drunk.

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Perfect pairing:

Earlimart – Treble and tremble

Can melodies shimmer? If they can, then that’s what happening here. This whole album is a beautiful hazy sway. Yes, they sound like Elliott Smith – so what? They were friends and neighbors. Plus, the entire album is dedicated to Elliott.

or

Dan Shimizu – Sings the blues

This mythological album serves a purpose which is none of your business. All you need to know is that the album is fanciful and fancied while remaining ever illusive.

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Cincin

Posted on June 8, 2008 by Lynn Bee

CinCin (no fighting, it’s pronounced Chin-chin).

1154 Robson St. (between Thurlow and Bute, upstairs)  Vancouver, B.C.

604.688.7338

Website

Basically, if you can afford it – go.

You won’t be disappointed by this perfect combination of lovely ambiance, succulent food, and remarkable service at Cincin. The Italian inspired cusine is truly that – inspired. The…well, everything there is deliciousest. But be careful not to blow your money like a fool. I encountered a $36 glass of wine that, after sipping, I recalled that I don’t care much for Italian wine. I should have stuck to the fantastic $10 Malbec or $14 BC Syrah all along.

Anyway – back to the F.O.O.D.

Cincin has a long and comprehensive menu which consists of appetizers, pastas, seafood dishes, specialty pizza, assorted meats, steaks, cheeses, desserts and an extensive wine menu. It took me forever to decide what to get…partially, because I started in with a wine flight which distracted from the menu for a while.

I don’t really think it matters what you order: each item was fantastic, delicate, and I could not have imagined it being better (except for the tiramisu — which is strictly because I am the biggest tiramisu snob you will ever meet in your life). Anyway – we started out with the Carpaccio which was so thin is appeared to painted onto the plate. What implement could slice meat so thinly I have no clue (beef carpaccio, roast garlic and horseradish crema, baby oyster mushrooms $18). Next we moved onto another wonderful appetizer: the seared albacore. I was both pleased and surprised by the citrus pairing with the tuna (seared albacore tuna, sicilian caponata salad with citrus and cinzano $14.50). And finally the baby artichoke and watercress salad. I can’t think of a single more lovely combination to put on a salad plate.

Our entrees consisted of the:

Gnocchi (with wild boar, juniper berries, cippolini onion, kumquat and marjoram $27). Which was fabulous.

Ahi Tuna (wood fire grilled rare, black truffle vinaigrette anchovy potato arrostito, sardinian bottarga and asparagus $36.50). When they say rare they mean it! It really seemed more like it was seared than grilled. Regardless, I liked this one so much I was hesitant to share it with any of my dining companions.

Tenderloin (Alberta AAA 7oz $37.00). So tender and cooked so perfectly, I have had only a couple of steaks better than this in my life — and I am from Alberta — the land of steak.

The bc dungeness crab and fusilli in a  pinot grigio cream sauce. This was quite possibly the best $21 ever spent. The crab was plentiful and its abundance in this dish led to my unending happiness.

And of course – we threw a half lobster into the mix (wood grilled $18.50). Which was fan-freaking-tastic.

After a chorus of yum, mmmmmm, ohhs and ahhs (I think there was even a ‘Stunning!’ in there somewhere). We moved onto dessert:

Tiramisu (served in a chocolate cup with honey ice cream and nougatine sauce $11) the tiramisu was very good and the honey ice cream was delightful.

Three Chocolate Parfait (with spicy chocolate ice cream and caramel sauce $11). Again, being a dessert snob, I found the parfait to be good and the spicy chocolate ice cream to be bizarre. But remember folks, bizarre always comes with a positive connotation in my dictionary.

What can I say? Try anything and everything at Cincin, you’ll love it. I will be back — just as soon as I win the lottery. Not that Cincin is overly expensive – the price is right for the amazing greatness your tastebuds will be treated to. I give Cincin a solid rating of four delicious lobster tails up!

Open: 5pm – midnight

Reservations: Most certainly make one.

Dress: Don’t wear your sweatpants or workout clothes (this includes lululemon for those who seem to be confused on the subject.)

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Perfect pairing:

City and Colour – Bring me your love

This quiet collection of songs shows us what Dallas Green wishes he’d been doing all along. It’s all heartbreak and sleepless nights. A regret laced album that’s rich in its harmonica infused simplicity.

or

Billie Holiday – Love me or leave me

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Vina

Posted on May 29, 2008 by Lynn Bee

Vina Vietnamese Cuisine

Address: 851 Denman St, Vancouver, BC.

Tel: 604.689.8462

Here’s the basic rundown – Vina’s not that good. All the menu items are $4-20 which seems really cheap, but the food is small and mediocre; therefore,  it ends up being totally overpriced.

If you want some really mediocre, overpriced veitnamese – this is perfect. The service is acceptable – though slow and not 100% on the ball. The food is edible, but costs twice what it should. They have the regular vietnamese foodstuffs: lots of beef and noodle soups, salad rolls, rice and vermicelli dishes, curies, and veggie dishes, plenty of chicken and seafood, as well as brochettes. Everything is just smaller, saltier, and greasier than you’d expect it to be.  The brochette is pretty good and I would recommend it…. if it wasn’t $12-16.

Vina’s is always nearly empty. There’s a reason for that. The only people I know who like this place are my neighbour’s parents….I don’t know what that means to you – but it sure doesn’t mean much to me. Six thumbs down for Vina.

Open: 11.30 am – 10.30 pm

Reservations: totally unnecessary

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Perfect Pairing:

Anything by Jessica Simpson

What can I say? If you like her soulless ear-piercing music; you’ll probably like this lame wallet busting restaurant.

or

That annoying new Madonna cd

Every track on the album sounds the same. Maybe Timbaland could still produce a halfway decent album if he wasn’t working with every mainstream douchebag in the business.

AMAZING UPDATE! This crummy restaurant finally closed down! hoooray! Hopefully something better goes in it’s vacant space.

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Poncho’s

Posted on May 29, 2008 by Lynn Bee

Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant

Address: 827 Denman St (near Robson), Vancouver, BC

Tel: 604.683.7236

Do you loooove mexican food? Me, too. I may be slightly biased as Poncho’s is around the block from our place —  but I think it’s great. I’ve read other reviews saying that Poncho’s has sucky service — perhaps these critics are just jerks who think the world revolves around them (one review read “I had to wait 15 mins for a table when they said it would only be 5mins”. Boo hoo – it’s not the end of the world. If you don’t want to wait – you should make a reservation). I’ve always had uber polite — albeit sometimes slow — service. It has a very authentic feel to it – which can include a lack of formality and no rushing. It’s a great place to go for a relaxed quite meal — not for a — hurry up! I gotta be somewhere else in 25 minutes! You may have 4 different waitresses, which is fine. They’ll just ask you if you want dessert three times…well, maybe you should get some fucking dessert, then.

Anyway – the margaritias are kick ass! Get them — or else try a speciality coffee – they will set fire to it right at your table (relax, that’s supposed to happen). Besides that – everything there is yummy (maybe a tad bland for some) and the portions are big. Appetizers, soups, and salads are $6 – 10. The paella for two ($26) is seafoody and  awesome. To get a good overall idea try the dinner for two ($37) it is a huge meal with quesadilla, jumbo prawns, ultra cheesy chile relleno, rice, beans and their awesomely tasty marinated beef tenderloin. Yum! It’s for sure enough for two. It can be tough to finish… especially when you are reminded that there is still Bunuelito for dessert.

If you’re not really into sharing you can choose from an extensive and affordable menu ($10-30) and find something delicious! They’ve got traditional mexican items, loads of chicken, beef, and seafood dishes. I’d recommend the beef tenderloin which they do two ways: Carne a la mexicana (mustard and wine) or carne a la tampiquena (green tomatillo) both are served with an enchilada and traditional sides for $14. Don’t worry, you’ll get full.

They don’t have many veggie options, and vegans should stay away but except for that and the lack of deep fried ice cream I totally like the vibe and tasty goodness of Poncho’s. Mmmmmm, tasty.

Plus, they have live music every night!

Reservations: Should be made if waiting 10 minutes will ruin your life.

Open: 5-11pm nightly (they may close early if it’s slow)

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Perfect Pairing:

Selena – Dreaming of you

or

The Beatles – Help!

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Central

Posted on May 29, 2008 by Lynn Bee

Central Kitchen and Eurobar

1072 Denman St (corner of comox) Vancouver, BC

604.689.4527

Website

Central’s focus as a eurobar is to bring us classic european dishes — but being in the Westend — it also punches it up with a bit of organic snootiness. Not totally a bad thing, the snobbery in no way extends to the service which is always super friendly and helpful; it is only limited to the menu with stuff like organic smelt berry toast and roobis infused sliced duck. Seriously? Brown toast and duck with tea sauce — fine, we get it.

The dinner there kicks off with a varied menu from burgers to seafood, as well as many small plate options. With a price range from $5 to $23 you will find something that you’ll like. But eater beware! Watch out for remarks such as: we leave the food to its own simple beauty — that may be a code for ‘we don’t season or add flavor to anything’. The fresh snapper may sound good – but it’s extra super bland. Stick with the more inventive options like the gigantic lambourgini ($14 lamb burger) or butternut squash ravioli (the squash is fantastic with the gorgonzola sauce!).

In addition to the regular fare, Central does offer an extensive and tempting selection of cheeses. Plus, make sure you sip the drinks: martinis and cocktails from $8, a fine wine selection which offers $10 flights — or drop in on a wednesday for wine geek night ($5 for selected glasses).

Don’t get me wrong — I like Central. I like it a lot. The dinner is acceptable; I just prefer to go earlier in the day:

Central has a kickass breakfast/brunch on until 4 pm. Selections include egg dishes, sandwiches, soups, salads, and other brunchie goods for around $10. The granola with yogurt ‘n’ fruit is fantastic —  so’s the french toast croissant. The menu features free run eggs, organic toast, and quite a few veggie and vegan options. All good – maybe a little pricey, but there is an alternative: the greatest thing at Central is their breakfast special. For $4 you’ll get 2 free run eggs, toast, breakfast meat, and a huge pile of potatoes (I recommend paying the extra 70 cents to have your potatoes magically transformed into seasonal fruits). Hell ya, this mother’s available until 4pm every weekday! (Or at least it used to be….I am re-reading this entry 2 years after I first wrote it. Is this breakfast deal still happening? Maybe not.)

Central is a taste-tacular spot I’ve frequented and highly recommend for breakfast and brunch. Plus, I saw Jewel Staite eating there once …and she’s awesomest.

Open: 8am – 12am

Parking: Unlikely

Reservations: Make them if you wanna go on a weekend morning.

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Perfect pairing:

TV on the Radio – Return to cookie mountain

or

Beck – Guero (or maybe The Information…I can’t decide)

In these albums Beck transcends the genres he created.

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Kadoya

Posted on May 28, 2008 by Lynn Bee

Kadoya Japanese Sushi

1036 Davie St (just West of Burrard), Vancouver, BC . /also at 1184 Denman

604-608-1115 /604.609.9999

Kadoya is a fantastic little japanese place with a large menu. The menu includes all sorts of regular item for a reasonable price (tempura, gyoza, maki, edamame, cripsy teriyaki, inexpensive boxes, etc.). Everything I’ve ever had there has been delectable – with quick service and very affordable prices it soon became a regular place to hit up for dinner or late lunch.

But T.H.E. best thing about Kadoya that really sets it apart are the special rolls ($7-9). Aren’t you bored with maki and california rolls by now? Me too; therefore, this is exactly what the critic needs.

The list of special rolls includes: Spider (crab, yam), Dragon (tempura prawn, eel), Princess (veggie), Volcano (spicy salmon) and many others. There are also some pretty wacky variations the Canuck (bacon), and the dessert roll (hot bananas, whipped cream and pop rocks, anyone?). Though some of the main ingredients in the special rolls could include pumpkin or butter; don’t fear to ingest. They are all delicious and humongous! The large pieces may be intimidating — but they will fit into the mouth in one go, just barely.

At Kadoya $10 will go a long way and for $20 your pants’ll be popping open by the time you leave. I don’t want to become a Homer with Food Box – but I would give Kadoya nine thumbs up (if that made any sense). So, all I will say is: Kadoya is a colorful place to get a great meal for your $$.

Kadoya is all around delicious good times — however, be warned that their place is pretty teeny. The service is super fast and efficient – they’re damn busy so they want you in and out. If you wanna lounge around and hang out with your friends all day then  take out = good idea.

Open: Until 10pm nightly

Reservations: recommended

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Kadoya has opened a new location on the corner of Denman and Davie! The new location opened in May 2010 and features the same great menu. A big plus at the new location is that it is ultra spacious in comparison and seats about 60. It’s perfect if you don’t like being elbowed by your dinning companions. This gem is located at 1184 Denman on the second floor (above Beard Papa’s). It is open for dine in or takeout Wednesday to Monday from 11.30 – 10pm. 604-609-9999.

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Perfect pairing:

Apostle of Hustle – National anthem of nowhere

Guitar pop with a strong Cuban root. The Latin influence maintains the drive which keeps the album from getting lost in an artsy Broken Social Scene way.

or

Stars of Track and Field – Centuries before love and war

This trio from Portland brings us emotional indie pop layered overtop a generous helping of electronic percussion. Snow Patrol meets the Postal Service. You’ll be glad Tony Lash stayed in the business after parting ways with Elliott Smith.

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