Japa…dog?

I never thought the marriage between two of my favourite things would live so happily ever after: Japanese cuisine and DOGS (hot dogs, canines, whatever - they all rule). Japadog, out of Vancouver, was started by a Japanese couple who came to Canada with dreams of creating a majorly popular restaurant. Without the funds, a food stand would have to suffice, and out came their take on the all American (Canadian) hot dog stand. Japadog merges Japanese flavours with various hot dogs and sausages. Dreams really do come true - Japadog has been serving downtown Vancouver for the past few years with line ups around the block to prove their success. My favourite, and Japadog's most popular, is the Terimayo: your choice of hot dog (I go for Turkey or the Edaname stuffed dog) with teriyaki sauce, mayo, and seaweed. Trust me, I know it sounds a bit strange, but with that first bite you'll understand!

Japadog is located at Burrard and Smithe, 530 Robson, Burrard and Pender St, Granville and Cordova, in Vancouver. They also have a location at 30 St. Marks Place, in New York.

Guu-Izakaya

After hearing the hype over Vancouver's Guu Izakaya's opening in Toronto, I knew I had to go. My friends and I decided to take a chance and line up for Guu last Thursday night (the restaurant is famed for not taking reservations). The wait, we were told, was an hour so we parked ourselves on a bamboo bench among many other foodies, mostly young, and for the most part very hip. The roar was hysterical every time the door opened to the restaurant (Guu cheers for its customers both coming and going). The delicious smell wafting out of the windows made me hungrier by the minute. Our name was called after 40 minutes and we walked into the restaurant. The chefs, waiters, and some of the restaurant goers cheered for us, yelling chants in Japanese...we couldn't help but giggle at the attention. After looking over the menu (one I had gawked at countless times online), we ordered.

Tofu Salad with Garlic Marinated Mushrooms

Salmon Natto Yukke (salmon with seven friends...this dish consisted of salmon sashimi paired with raw egg yolk, won ton chips, garlic chips, natto, shibazuke, and green onion...the key was to mix the ingredients together and wrap them with small pieces of seaweed a la sushi)

Tuna Tataki...the most delicious combination of lightly seared tuna, green onion, garlic chips, and daikon served with a light soy based sauce. We all agreed this tuna alone was well worth the wait.

Grilled Black Cod with Saikyo Miso and White Wine Sauce


We also had edaname with coarse salt and spinach with black sesame sauce. The spinach came packed a large, green ball floating in the most delicious black sesame sauce one could imagine. It was sweet but tangy, thick but not too thick, and beyond mouthwatering. My taste buds did not want it to end.


I kept noticing innovative drinks as the night went on. The server brings half a grapefruit, a juicer, soda water, and vodka to the table. The customer get to squeeze the juice themselves and mix up the cocktail to their liking. This can be ordered with a cucumber or lemon instead of the grapefruit. Guu also is famous for the Sake Mojito a traditional mojito with sake instead of rum. Both are on my must try list.


When the meal was over, I was incredibly surprised with the affordable price. Each dish ranged from $3-$9 making our night out on the town wallet friendly. 


The meal ended with three frozen grapes and three very satisfied girls. I highly recommend Guu to anyone willing to park themselves outside its doors for a delicious, loud, and exciting evening.

Guu Izakaya
398 Church Street
Toronto, Ontario
416-977-0999


http://www.guu-izakaya.com/toronto.html