In Vancouver, What’s Served is Fast and AFURI Ramen (and Dumplings of course!)

Afuri Soft Shell Crab Bao and Ed7971 Alderbridge Way #140, Richmond, BC
2801 Main St, Vancouver, BC

Hours: 11:30 am to 9:00 pm Daily
Website: Afuriramen.com

AFURI ramen + dumpling has two locations in the Lower Mainland, and I’m sure both of them serve equally delicious and fast meals. The wait wasn’t too bad at the one I went to, and it’s a popular place to grab lunch because of their signature broth. From their website, they describe it as, “a light, delicate broth built upon a reduction made from local chicken, dry fish ‘niboshi’ ‘katsuobushi.’, dry kombu seaweed, and vegetables to produce a layer of umami flavours, and hints of refreshing yuzu citrus.”

The fruitiness is more pronounced with certain dishes than others. As I visited this place during February for Fan Expo Vancouver, I opted for their Valentine’s Day special, and oh boy, I was in love. I was there for the soft shell crab baos, and one is not enough. The cucumbers were brined in some sparkly sweet soda to make the crisped crustaceans bounce. The fluffy bread was like a cloud, and when I thought it’d be like a hamburger, it’s nowhere even close. It’s a light snack and I honestly was tempted to order more on that visit. However, I was waiting for the shining star to land upon me, and that was a bowl of Australian Wagyu Ramen!

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[Seattle, WA] No Need for Japanese Fusion when there’s Maneki

Maneki 2304 6th Ave S
Seattle, WA

Hours· 5:30–10:30pm
Phone: +1 206-622-2631

I visited Seattle, Washington many times and while readers may find it strange I have not been to Maneki—this city’s most famous Japanese restaurant—my reason is the International District is a fair distance from the Convention Center. Quite often my stamina after taking in Emerald City Comic Con needs more than a better pair of shoes to keep going. I’m thankful this operation managed to stay in operation when the pandemic was a huge thing. I’m planning a trip back to this city in the Spring to see what’s changed. 

In the meantime, I’ll be offering a review of what I loved when I was there last. My apologies for the lack of photos as my phone was low on power (images used are from online), and I thought I had posted this review. It did not show up in my search when I was fondly talking about this place on Facebook’s Seattle Foodies group.

ManekiMy original post follows:

Even on a busy Sunday, Maneki is busy. Fortunately, since I was here by myself, I was told that I can get a seat at the bar instead of waiting an hour for a regular table. I ordered my favourite brand of Japanese beer (Asahi), looked at the menu and pondered how much sushi I could have. The prices are on par with those back home to places like Futa and Omakase, so I avoided repeating familiar dishes. Their Jojo Roll (fresh water eel, cucumber, radish sprouts) was very warming. The rice was at an immaculate temperature and the homemade sauce was not overwhelming. I could taste all the flavours in this combination roll.

I also tried their variation of a Futomaki roll, which I did not finish. I was offered a container to take the rest home and I did, but not without a side order of gyoza to warm me up. I’m fairly sure their recipe is not advertised so competitors can not copy. Out of all the varieties I sampled at different places, this particular dumpling made my soul come alive and smile after a long day.

Thankfully I did not stop there. I asked if uni (sea urchin) was available. The female bartender said yes and they served it live! The shell is not opened until you order it. My ears waggled in excitement and they served up a very affordable and large dish to make my tummy say “yummy!” Yes, this delicate part is perfect. Nothing was added on to spoil the straight from the sea flavour. The portions and cost behind this item surprised me. I could have for another; I’m fairly certain the receipt said $9 (a far better price than any I’ve seen back home). Not since that one trip on a boat years ago with a fisherman has my tongue tasted this sensation again! Readers interested in my experience during that trip from long ago can find the article here.

While they do not have lobster sashimi (I asked) for the adventurous to sample, I’m certainly marking this place as a must visit for the sheer pleasantness of being in this space. It was laid back and not rushed. The variety of dishes have an air and look of being more traditional than hipster. I also had an eye on the various dishes served to fellow bar patrons. The bartender knows her nigiri and talked about how the flavour of salmon changes by region. They even had some brought down from British Columbia, if I remember correctly. Being at the bar gave me an opportunity to chat with fellow nerds (there must have been some Xbox competition happening nearby as gamers were there, and I talked to a couple from California). The bar can comfortably have up to eight people here without feeling cramped.

Reservations are recommended on a busy Friday or Saturday night. 

5 Blokes out of 5

Too Many Yummy Waffles at Le Petit Belge Might Put a Bulge in Your Tummy

ed and waff340 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC

Phone: (604) 440-8781
Website: lepetitbelge.ca
Hours:
Mon – Fri at 8am – 3pm
Sat – Sun at 8am – 4pm

Sadly, Scoozi’s is no more. This fond breakfast place in Vancouver, BC closed sometime during the pandemic, and in its place is Curry Hut Indian Bistro. I will one day try, but as for why–that’s because I loved the ambience the space represented. Fortunately, Le Petit Belge is a terrific replacement, especially if you love waffles. Unfortunately, it’s located nowhere close to the Vancouver Convention Centre. It’s a fair walk away for those going to this city for events there. But if you’re here for a concert, it’s a hop and skip away from BC Place!

I was back in the big city for Fan Expo Vancouver, which brings nearly everything pop culture related under one roof. My convention report can be read here. This event packs a bit of everything into the large hockey-ring sized gymnasium located in the West Convention Centre building. Unlike that sport, there’s no stadium seating. On the three days I went, it felt jam packed! When compared to restaurants operating at full capacity, finding a chair is based on how long you’re willing to wait. There was a small recharge lounge within the convention though, so thankful people have a spot to unwind.

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Going Vegetarian at Rebar Modern Food

20230204_16432750 Bastion Square
Victoria, BC 

Hours: Weds to Sun 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Menu: rebarmodernfood.com
Phone: (250) 361-9223

I can easily do the jailhouse rock at Rebar Modern Food. Or rather, I might get jailed for going vegetarian since I’m better known for going primal, enjoying steaks at home than dining out for them. It saves me money since prices jump when getting somebody else to prepare them. But for fish, I get it; you have to slice those fillets and crisp it just right to bring out the flavour and texture of the meat. 

This cozy restaurant is tucked to one corner in the famously haunted Bastion Square. As we chatted about the paranormal, on her way here, I wondered if this place had any stories. I know the pubs that’ are up a few doors from this place are, but I don’t recall if there are any stories here. Not like it’d deter us from sitting down for a bite. We were greeted by a friendly server, and opted for a seat with a view of the area.

I’m very pleased to say their greens are tops. Unlike other places where I sometimes get something less than crispy, the flavours and tastes for even a salad had me smacking my lips. I loved the cucumber dill dressing that went with my Blackened Rockfish Burger. I wasn’t sure if that’d fill me, as I had a small snack before coming into town to meet my friend from the National Film Board of Canada after a Victoria Film Festival screening. I was more interested in the Q&A since I got to see the documentary, The Colour of Ink, prior. This work is simply beautiful in teaching viewers about what this medium can do. My review can be read on the sister site, Otakunoculture.com.

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Yukatsu&Uburger Has Got Our Soul

120230104_172724008 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC

Hours: Mon to Sun 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Menu: yukatsuuburger.love
Phone: (250) 853-2100

DK: Something something Pink Bicycle. Something something beloved downtown eatery. Something Something new kid in town. Something, something shoes to fill. 

Ok, now that we’ve got the preamble out of the way–Ed, what do make of this new, also rather Pink, burger spot on Blanshard?

ES: Other than the fact Yukatsu & Uburger kept some original decor from the former operation, I’m generally impressed. With operations closing down and new ones in its wake, I’m glad the theme is at least kept! As for what this operation entails, it’s tough to say if they’re Korean and Japanese, or just the latter? With a tantalising video of their deep-fry process playing nonstop, I’m definitely drooling.

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When All You Want is Royal Spice Indian Cuisine

20221217_200051212-815 Cloverdale Ave
Victoria, BC

Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm daily
Phone: (250) 380-1881
Website: royalspicevictoria.ca

Winter is a good time to have a hot meal, and when I refer to the temperature, I’m actually talking about the spice level that Indian food is famous for. Royal Spice Indian Cuisine knows how to kick everything up a notch, and then some! I was here with another pal since our Call of Cthulhu RPG session with other gamers was a bust–nobody wanted to game in the late month of December. I understand the holidays change priorities, but for us hard core gamers hoping to embark on a mission, it can be disheartening.

This intimate establishment knew how to turn our disappointment around. Even on a cold night, we were warmly welcomed and it was busy. This city had a blast of winter snow, and it didn’t deter those brave the slick streets from dining out.

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