On my recent trip to Vancouver, my friend and I found this adorable little Japanese restaurant with the most amazing fresh fish!
Having made it to Vancouver by the beautiful Pacific Ocean, we figured, we'd have to go for Sushi! This was our first meal to conquer on our huge "To-Eat" list.
Entry 3: Sushi!
Restaurant Name: Ajisai 味彩, in Kerrisdale2081 W 42nd Ave, Vancouver BC Canada
Just a heads up for first timers to this restaurant: it's hard to find. It's hidden in a strip mall I believe is called Kerrisdale Station. It's also quite small inside so be prepared for a bit of a wait. But it's well worth it!
When we first got a peek of the menu, we couldn't believe the selection they offered. We arrived around 1pm, so we were able to order the lunch combos, which were fantastic! Like most Japanese restaurants however, this place closes at 2 or 3pm and then reopens for dinner in the evening.
What we ordered to share between the two of us:
1. Chirashi (assorted fish on top of rice, left), around $15CAD, comes with soup
2. Assorted Sushi Combo (salmon, tuna, shrimp with BC and California roll), $13CAD comes with soup
3. Saba Battera (Mackerel Pressed Sushi, left), $10
Absolutely delicious!! But be aware, one piece is seriously packed with rice! We had some problems finishing it all =p Also, if you haven't tried 'battera' before, there's a thin sweet coating of gelatin on top of the fish so you may be surprised by the mix of flavors: sweet & salty. The last finishing touch to a 'battera' sushi is the 'shiso' leaf they usually put in it, which gives an extra kick!
4. Spicy Chopped Tuna Handcone (right), around $3.75
Massively filled with fish and rice!
Best thing about the whole experience for the both of us was: the TUNA! It wasn't even 'toro' (the fattest, therefore the best part of tuna), but it tasted exactly like 'toro'! Their normal serving of tuna was not only fresh and cool to the tongue, but it completely melted in your mouth!!!
Map: