I once spent fifteen dollars on soda water at Hapa Izakaya. Though surprised by the non-bottomless pop bill, I remain a loyal regular customer due to their glorious Japanese tapas and warm, loud shouts of welcome, audible from outside on the streets of Yaletown.
Picking a favorite off of the lively, dimly lit restaurant’s menu is a feat. The incredible Bintoro Tuna is one of my usual choices:
The thinly sliced, lightly seared Albacore tuna melts on my tongue. Ponzu sauce (which I’d happily bathe in) is drizzled on top. If I were at the reigns, this dish would resemble more of a soup.
Sticking to a fresh theme, the Ebi Avocado Salad is a beautiful, sizeable choice:
Perfectly ripe, creamy avocado and juicy prawns aside, the best thing about this menu item is its temperature. All ingredients, tossed in a citrus dressing, are extra cold which makes them seem even fresher. Alternate dressing idea: ponzu sauce.
With Bintoro Tuna lingering on the palette, more sashimi may be in order. The Wild Salmon (Spring and Sockeye) is a no-brainer:
Quality over quantity here. This fish is smooth, rich, and delicious. I could have eaten five.
And here are my favorite edamame in Vancouver:
Chilled, marinated, and utterly to die for, they’re worth a daily splurge at Hapa, located at 1193 Hamilton Street. I’d also splurge on a vat of ponzu sauce, which I consider as valuable as truffle oil or a fine tequila.
You should follow me on twitter @erin_ireland and check out my website www.erin-ireland.com.
Ciao for now.
It's To Die For Banana Bread à la Urge Chocolates
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