After a long day at work and the subsequent nap time after, Val and I ended up here for a late dinner. I’ve read and seen it, but just never seem to patron it. The reason being is I hate eating alone, and I especially hate eating alone in Japanese restaurants because there’s too much I want to order! Therefore, I need the company to justify ordering multiple items.
Without fail, Val always orders a Tuna Tataki Salad $6.25 whenever we eat Japanese. The thick steak-like slices of (albacore?) tuna were coated with spices and laid on a bed of mixed baby greens, along with ample ponzu sauce. I’m probably wrong, but I recall some article or interview where Tojo is claiming to be the first in Vancouver to offer tataki (which is of course, a method of cooking in Japanese cuisine). Of course, there’s also the story of how he was the first to invent California Roll..or rather, rice OUTSIDE of the seaweed (maki).
Whoa sidetracked. Anyways, this was one of the better tataki’s I’ve had. Some places top it off with grated daikon, others drown it in sauce, or paper thin slices. This was chunky and filling.
Since it was a cold night, I wanted some hot food, and ordered the Nabeyaki Udon $7.95. Wait what, this is $8? Typically this is seen on menus for upwards of $10…which is expensive! For some chunks of chicken, two tempura prawn and an egg, it should not be costing that much more than a typical chicken/beef udon. This I savoured, with the chewy yet firm udon noodles and the comforting broth. A little (or a lot) of shichimi is always welcomed.
The Caterpillar Roll $5.75 is seen on a lot of menus as well, always topped with green avocado and sesame seeds or tobiko. Although I’m not a fan of fancy or creative rolls since I prefer to stick to the more traditional/regular boring stuff, I certainly can’t argue with the presentation and the textural delight it brings to my mouth.
After all the food came, it felt like there was still something missing. Ah yes, beer. I haven’t seen or had one of these Asahi Black $5.50 since my 2010 Asia trip, so I wanted a little reminder.
Applause is a solid choice in the Marpole area, open just till 10pm for those late dinner cravings. I think the menu is well priced, and there isn’t much else around this area of town, so why not? Of course, there’s also Taiwan Beef Noodle King, but that’s a completely different type of food.
Applause Restaurant
8269 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
Business Hours
Mon – Sat : 11:30 am – 3:00 pm / 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday : 12:00 am – 3:00 pm / 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
About