[Seattle, WA] Can You Be My Sansei?

Sansei-Horizontal-Logo-ReverseSansei
815 Pine St.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 402-4414

I figure Seattle, Washington has more truly upscale Japanese restaurants than Victoria, British Columbia. If that says something about finding a place to enjoy my meals and sample the unique, perhaps I should live in this State instead of the province to get my fusion-style cuisine on. I noticed this operation while here for my annual nerdvana. Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) and Star Trek Ultimate Voyage took place on the same weekend.

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When I arrived at the historic Paramount Theatre, I was more than gobsmacked. I was licking my lips at seeing Sansei, a seafood restaurant and sushi bar across the street. I seem to have a knack for wanting to visit well-established operations when in the States without knowing a lot about their reputation beforehand. Hitting Portland, Oregon blind years ago demonstrated that. I had little knowledge about Jakes Famous Crawfish and only heard a few stories about Voodoo Doughnuts. I rode through this city with my road trip buddy, and we lucked out in getting into two of this city’s most well-known operations.

I was not too sure about what to expect when I visited Sansei the next day to get a bite, a simple dinner — or so I hoped. I had no idea about this establishment’s excellent reputation in Hawaii until I read the literature. A quick chat with the waitress and search via Google revealed them as “one of America’s Best Sushi Bars” to which I could have spent my entire convention food allowance on or I could sit at the table for a ramen dish only to tease James from afar later. His only words over the phone were, “You’re despicable.”

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Return To Osaka

Osaka Sushi
1951 Oak Bay Ave.
Oak Bay, B.C.
250-590-6650 

J: It was a day revisiting old haunts like the Penny Farthing Pub. It was just an indecisive day as Ed and I traveled to Oak Bay, then to downtown Victoria only to turn around and make our return. During our journeys via B.C. Transit bus, to learn we had the same driver twice and the same bus 3 times that day was a little weird. It was the bus I now dub Phantom 8035.

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Dishing out Food Justice, Mexi-Style!

1580 Cook St
Victoria, B.C.
(836) 737-2623
Fall/Winter hours:
Tues to Sat 11:30am to 4pm


¡Ay, caramba! Fusion cuisine is nearly all the rage these days, and at Taco Justice League (TJL), they’re reinventing the tortilla in a food truck. This place serves soft tacos with a variety of fillings. From deep-fried tempura avocados to brined pulled pork, each food offering sounds delicious.

This operation is a block away from ‘The Pandora Strip.’ It’s located right between Wellburns Market and the art gallery. I’d make the trek to the fringes of town just for another burrito, or maybe a taco, especially when the Fringe Festival kicks up.

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Opening a new wave of hot (dogs) at Victoria Oven

Victoria Oven
Government St. at Fort St.
Victoria, B.C.

J: On a warm Victoria day, I was following Ed on an empty stomach as he attempted to complete his errands, from the metaphysical crystals at Instinct Art & Gifts to the artistic supplies of Island Blue. But now and again I would redirect when something of interest popped into the corner of my eye.

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Tapas go French Fried with Duck Poutine!


Veneto Tapa Lounge
1450 Douglas Street
Hotel Rialto
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 383-7310

Tapas seem to be the hottest trend these days, and these lounges that offer small sized portions of food is not a place I’d often go to. After this dine-in experience, I have found a new place to induldge in one particular guilty pleasure: enjoying fusion cuisine.

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A Tale of Two Hotdogs: Gourmet Dog Japon Seattle

Corner of Pike St. and 2nd Ave.
Seattle, WA

Nearly most of Seattle is raving about Gourmet Dog Japon, a street cart operation that makes some mighty mean dogs. But what’s so special about this fast food? Which operation is better? Supposedly, owner Shinsuke Nikaido took the idea from the Japadog carts in Vancouver and he put his own design in what makes a good dog.

My vote is for the Seattle location since they were open at 11pm on a Friday, just when most restaurants are closed. I imagine if I wanted a bite even after midnight, I’d find this particular operation still going strong.

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