Ah Vanya.. how you have thwarted me so many times.  From that time last summer when we wanted to dine in your oldschool restaurant but instead were greeted with a closed sign and ended up at Cafe Gloucester instead.. to the multiple Mondays when I would show up, and realize “Oh, I just came a couple mondays ago and you were closed as well…”.. you still make me happy.

So since we were playing dodgeball at the elementary school nearby, we just decided to have dinner beforehand since it’s close by. Have you ever met Kevin…the other Kevin? Sometimes we end up wearing the same clothes and it’s just ridiculous. Not only can we look alike (if we choose to with our hair), but we also do so many similar things. Case in point, look at the picture below. Yay for 5 Year Anniversary VDL shirts! Yes, dodgeball has been kicking it in Vancouver since 2005.. shouldn’t you get into it?

Jeff and Kevin both had the Special Combination, $11.
Clockwise, top left. California roll, asparagus tip, tempura dipping sauce, loads of beef teriyaki & veggies, assorted tempura.

So much beef. So much veggies! Kevin couldn’t finish his veggies so I stole them from him.

I opted for something a little different, Salted Salmon BBQ Special, $10.
Clockwise starting top left, Salted Salmon, Agedashi Tofu, Miso Soup, Asparagus Tips, Rice.

Yes, it’s not something typical and that’s all what I’m about, trying different things. By itself, the salmon was salty (well duh…) but also very soft and tender, definitely not dry and overcooked. Mixing it into my rice makes for tasty..from bland rice to WOW! rice.

I always enjoy Vanya because it’s honest food, the staff are friendly and it’s a local neighbourhood favorite. You can’t go wrong with them, unless you somehow make the bone-headed decision to go to Kishu River across the street.

Do not ever do that, do not ever be tempted by their happy hour prices, nor should you ever trust your friend when he says they’re good! Yes Jamz, that means you.