Shiru Bay Chopstick Cafe (web site, address: 1193 Hamilton Street, phone: 604-408-9315) is a fun, upscale Japanese tapas restaurant located in Yaletown. Dishes are creatively and aesthetically presented and the menu is a romp through Asian-European fusion, with definite French influences. For $35 per person you can experience the Chef’s Tasting Menu which includes an impressive sampling of their menu (some of which is pictured below).

Sashimi

Pork cutlet

Japanese Omelette

Ebi-mayo prawns

Mussels

Sushi

Library Square Public House (web site, 300 W. Georgia St., phone 604 633-9644) is a popular pub and hang-out place located in downtown Vancouver next to the Vancouver Public Library. Decor is tastefully minimalist with some smaller art pieces by Emily Carr students. Large TV’s are perfect for keeping tabs on the game, and across the street you’ll find Queen Elizabeth theatre and only a couple blocks away, GM Place and BC Place Stadium. Along with the usual pub fare, the food menu is strictly sandwiches and burgers, unless you are there after 4pm when they also serve steaks and chops. I really enjoyed my chicken and cheddar sandwich which was served with a fresh hot house tomato slice and a side Caesar salad (pictured below).

Guu Japanese Bar (web site, 838 Thurlow Street, near Robson, Vancouver, phone 604-685-8817) serves creative Japanese tapas / Tokyo pub food in a fun atmosphere. Dishes range from $5 to $10 and you’ll want to order lots! Pictured below (in order from top) are the Grilled Squid legs w/Spicy mayonaise ($4.60), Cold Spicy Chicken special, Pork special, and BBQ Eel & Mushroom Rice Gratin ($7.80). This restaurant is also known as “Guu with Garlic”.