604 Foodtography

I might have my foodie status taken away from me, but this is the first izakaya I have ever been to. The popularity and number of Japanese Izakayas have exploded in the Vancouver restaurant industry in recent years, and after my 1st experience, I can understand why. I usually shied away from these because I found it unfamiliar grounds, and that the prices were high. I’m not a huge fan of tapas, but it’s just something I have to deal with if I’m going to be eating in Vancouver, it will show up somewhere there’s no hiding from them. The secret is to eat a little bit of everything with a group of people.

Taking me to Suika, a baby sister restaurant of Kingyo for my 1st experience was Patricia. Previously, she had invited me to take pictures for her YWIB SFU Wine Social event, and this wasn’t a thank you dinner, but more of a get together. She did bring me a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos..which I’m still munching on as of today!

Pay attention to all the little details in the restaurant, there’s so much it’s hard not to notice them. Kids eating watermelon…which is what suika [スイカ] means in Japanese.

A dragon “painted” on the wall, with a watermelon banner on the top right.

A lot of restaurants have something that is easily identifiable and recognized, and I’m sure that this beer bottle chandelier will be one for Suika.

Now I’ve never watched Gundam, but I’ve seen an episode and think that they’re pretty kickass. This was found in the mens washroom.

Right now you’re probably thinking, “Damnit Kevin, where is the food? I’m only here for the food pictures!”

True story, a lot of people always tell me they just skim the text and look at the pictures. I know..in this time and age of technology, we are all great at digesting anything visual.

Suika Deluxe Box ($10) – 9 different appetizers

Big on presentation, but some of the items tasted the same. Hard to share with more than more than 2 people, but it’s not something outstanding that you MUST order.

Ebimayo ($7.80) – 6 deep fried cilantro battered tiger prawns in chili mayo

Sorry, why am I showing you the chip? Should have turned the plate around. Fat and juicy prawns with a mayo that had a slight kick.

Tuna and Avocado Carpaccio ($8.20)

To be honest, don’t remember this very well. It was also off the daily fresh menu, so it may not be available if you go.

Ebi Spring Rolls ($8.40)

Again, I think this was also off the daily menu as well..

Beef Tataki ($9.80)

Yummmmmmmy, enough said!

Duck Carpaccio ($7.80)

Also really good and off the daily fresh sheet.

Negitoro Battera Roll ($9.80)

All that black sauce = seaweed! Kind of looks like box sushi from Toshi.. which I haven’t gone yet. Hm maybe I’ll go with my mom one day…

Yukke Beef Don ($8.80)

Raw beef barely cooked with a raw egg yolk on top of rice. There’s a little bit of DIY involved here as you grind your own sesame seeds and sprinkle over top before mixing it all together.

Mackerel Sushi Roll ($12)

I expected this to be seared in front of us, but it wasn’t. Maybe I’m just used to it being done that way at other restaurants? Savoury and oily mackerel that just melted in your mouth, barely any chewing is required here.

Matcha Creme Brulee ($4.80)

Matcha ice creme with a crispy caramelized top served with a side of whipped cream. A different take and meaning for creme brulee, as I expected it to be the traditional way, custard in a ramekin, like the Green Tea Creme Brulee I had at Yuji’s.

Green Tea Cheesecake ($4.80)

Freshly made, our server pushed us a little to try it, probably because she was the one who made it. It was very dry and lacking in flavour, even though its colour intensely green. She came back later to ask for our feedback and we gave her it, and she was very courteous about it….well I think she was.

Look at that receipt, November 30th, 2010!! Blogging is hard work and not for the lazy.

For 5 of us, not including individual drinks, it came out to be around $25/person. For the variety of dishes that we tried out, pretty good value. No longer will I think that izakaya dining has to be super expensive.