Address: 371 East Broadway (at Kingsway), Vancouver

Tel: 604.872.0053

Get anything, it’ll be dee-licious! Sushiyama’s menu is six long pages of fresh eating goodness. The maki listing is longer that what you’d find at most places — including items that, in an ideal world, you’d be able to find anywhere; like the asparagus, spinach, or mango rolls. The prices on the 38 types of maki rolls range from $2 for the kappa, tuna, and salmon rolls to $6.75 for the spider roll. The rest of the menu is pretty standard: sashimi from $6, loads of different types of nigiri ($1-2), donburi ranging from $6-9, breaded deep fry ($7), noodle soups ($6-9), tempura choices ($4-11), plus appetizers and soups/salads.

The nigiri and maki are fantastic here – big pieces and amazing fresh tastes with browned sesame for added crunch and flavor. The sashimi is delightful – the huge slabs are still delicate.  The hunks of fish rival the enormous mouthfuls found at Samurai (on Davie).  Oh! the miso, the gyoza, the donburi, the tempura….let’s save time — everything I’ve tasted at Sushiyama was fantastic and my wandering eyes kept encountering plates at every table that looked terrifically tasty. 

This hot spot is always busybusybusy — and there’s a reason. The food is fantastic and the prices are certainly on the low end. The value here at Sushiyama is terrific — especially for lovers of sashimi. But then there’s a downside to a cheap place that’s always busy — poor service. Not unpleasant or rude, just overworked. It’s hard to get a hold of a server and it’s unlikely that they’ll have time to check up on you. But don’t just sit there feeling snubbed — jump into the action, be a little assertive, wave your arms like a maniac, shout, get into the game. Is this the type of place I’d bring my grandma to? no…my kids? hell no. It’s not classy, it’s not attentive, but it’s everything else you’ve ever wanted. The sashimi melts in your mouth, the fish is fresh and the cuts are good, the gyoza is hot and crispy, the veggies are surprisingly  fresh, and the portions are ample.

Rating: It’s worth the bus ride. Four and a half stars from kelly and leanne. 

Open: 11.30am – 10.30pm Monday thru Saturday

Reservations: Make one! This place is always hoppin’.

Bonus: The bathroom is spacious and it’s always clean!

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Perfect pairing:

Band of Horses – Cease to begin

Indie rock with a dollop of Southern. A soothing and relaxed album that is as melancholy as it is graceful. 

or

Attack in Black – Marriage

Modern indie punk that doesn’t totally suck….except it sorta sounds like Seth Rogen’s the singer. I like that they’re not “indie pretentious” they have a mere four members and the only extra instruments are an occasional trumpet, piano, and sax. No additional percussionist, violins, 9 keyboardists, or back up dancers. Sorta like the get up kids…but not as amazing.

Address: 1703 Robson Street (near Denman), Vancouver, BC

Tel:604.288.2523

This bright Korean shop has super yummy frozen yogurt with a vast array of crazy topping options. The available yogurt flavors are smooth and creamy original or smooth and tangy green tea. It’s a little pricey but a million times better than say…the Dairy Queen around the corner.

The sizes begin at 5oz  for a mere $2.75 and fly up to a ridiculously big 13oz for $6.75. The toppings are 95 cents each or 3 for $1.50. Unlike the lame and overrated yogen fruz; Blueberry doesn’t cram the ingredients together via a machine. Blueberry piles the toppings around the edges so you can appreciate each lovely flavor on its own good merit. From red bean and tiny rice balls, to fresh strawberries and blackberries, to fruit loops and gummi bears – the endless topping possibilities are a tasty brain teaser. Okay, not endless – but there are 23 different options. So, if you’re getting 3 toppings…that’s 10626 possible flavor combos. If you can’t find something you’ll like from that….well you’re too damn picky. If you’re unsure what to get – the friendly, efficient staff will be quick to help you out with a suggestion or a sample. 

The nutritional information posted on the wall is slightly misleading as it’s based on a 1oz serving. But still, in 1oz there are no trans or saturated fats, low levels of carbs and sodium, and 5 grams of sugar — for a total of 25 calories (which is a helluva lot lower than an ice cream). 

My only real complaint is that the cute white and green shop can only seat a maximum of 12 and there are only 2 seats outside (even during the summer). But who really cares, you can always wander around Denman with it or take it 3 blocks down and sit in the park or near the harbor.

The fruit’s always fresh, the shop’s always spotless, the service is always friendly. High fives all around! Blueberry’s perfect for a refreshing sweet treat that’s not too bad for you (depending on your choice of toppings). They also offer smoothies and snowy ices for somewhere between $5 and $8. 

Open: Sun-Thurs 11am – 11pm, Fri and Sat 11am – 2am

Additional location: 1517 Broadway

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Perfect pairing:

Pinback – Summer in abaddon

This indie-pop album is my favorite of Pinback’s — it’s catchy and moody while still being chill. 

or

Hot Chip – Made in the dark

I can describe both this album and myself with the same line: good fun that’s lacking focus.

Address: 1795 Pendrell Street (corner of Denman), Vancouver.

Tel: 604.676.3056

ReaL opened in January 2008 referring to itself as Urban Chinese Savour – and it is. It finds a gentle combination somewhere between dim sum and jazz bar. Inside ReaL restaurant the chocolate leather chairs and flooring punctuate the upscale mood. The service is slow and relaxed – but they can get away with it – because it’s rarely, if ever, busy. 

ReaL has a variety of traditional chinese-canadian dishes. A million types of fried rice and chow mein ($8-11), vermicelli and rice noodle dishes, stews and soups ($6-11), an array of seafood dishes, beef, pork, chicken, tofu, and a decent assortment of veggie options. The most expensive items on the menu are the prawn/calamari mains and they will run you $17. But for the west end – that’s nothing too crazy. The dishes are tasty and are a decent size. You won’t be blown away – but you won’t be pissed off either. And isn’t that the point of going out to eat? We all have the same goal,  not to be pissed off. This common goal will be met with success at ReaL. 

But forget all that other stuff, the specialty at ReaL is dim sum. Something that is lacking in the west end. So here we go! From $4-6 each dish comes with something between 2 and 8 pieces. Everything I’ve tried was light and delicious in its flavor combos. ReaL ain’t serving up that 40 cent slimy grease-ridden gristle you would get in a cafeteria style slop house. The Crispy Chicken is tender, lightly battered and served with dark basil and a delightful plum chili sauce. The bbq pork buns are the soft, white, steamed sort. And the red wine vinegar goes wonderfully well with the pot stickers.

Damn, come to think of it — now as I’m looking over their menu, I’m oohing and awwing and wondering why I didn’t order the deep fried wonton…or the crystal crab buns.  Maybe I’ll have time to stop in for a quick bite tomorrow before work. 

The food is good. That’s about it – it’s not amazing, not terrible, not expensive, not cheap. All around good. But seriously, what’s with the capitalization of the ‘L’?

Open: 11am – 11pm daily (10am – 10pm on Sunday)

Reservations: They couldn’t hurt

Bonus: Small patio open on the sunny side of the street!

Other Bonus: They have all sorts of specials (10% off pick up, free delivery, free spring rolls and soup with large delivery orders, 20% off dim sum during the week from 2.30-5.30pm)

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Perfect pairing:

Greg Friedman – Souls of passing feet

Southern California’s sweetheart brings to the table a set of tunes that perfectly define your depression and heartbreak with quiet guitar and soothing melodies.  

or

Nina Simone – Little girl blue

A debut album that puts all others to shame. Truly a lovely showcase of her training as a classical pianist. 

or (can I increase this to three albums? Is that too ridiculous?)

Okkervil River – Down the river of golden dreams

This album comprised of sad magic is deadly. You’ll fall in love as you float along in this sea of dreams and spun gossamer.

Address: 521 Onedia St, Minocqua, Wisconsin

Tel: 715.356.2662

This place has an amazing selection of fudge which is sold by the half pound slab. But Dan’s is also known for it’s taffy, ice-cream, and chocolates. 

The fudge is second to none. I’ve never, EVER had fudge this creamy and good. Seriously – I’ve had lots of fudge from many tourist spots (Banff, Grandville Island, the Calgary Stampede, etc.), specialty shops, groceries stores and so forth — but Dan’s fudge is consistently of the very best quality. As with all good fudge – it’s pure without the slightest hint of wax. Dan’s has many, many flavors (vanilla, marshmallow, chocolate, mint, maple, turtle, and various combinations involving nuts). It’s made in a very old-fashioned way (copper heaters) right before you in the shop. The chocolate fudge is the best in the world – it just melts and then flows down your throat in a wave of cocoa-y goodness. The peanut butter fudge is light and almost fluffy – I never imagined that peanut butter in any form could be this airy. The mint is strong – sort of like what I imagine toothpaste in heaven to be like. And I love any of the flavors that are also packing hidden walnuts. 

The old-fashioned ice cream parlor in the back is both endearing and delicious. The parlor offers shakes filled with chocolate syrup and whipped cream, ice cream cones piled high, and the works in general. The taffy bins stretch on and on with amazing flavors ranging from caramel to banana to cinnamon. The taffy is smooth, chewy, creamy and addictive. The selection of chocolates, like the taffy and fudge, is extensive. From bear claws to truffles — they’ve got it all. Including sugar-free options. 

Dan’s will show you that the US not only invented – but also perfected fudge. This place is worth every pound you’ll gain from stopping in for a sweet treat. 

They also take mail orders – so call ‘em up! 

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Perfect pairing:

The Archies – The very best of

Enjoy a fun spin of bubblegum. ‘Sugar,sugar’ among others.

or

The New Pornographers – Mass romantic

The New Pornographers first album thrust them immediately into Canada’s musical limelight. This enthusiastic headstrong uber-pop is over-the-top with its relentless quality. Neko, Dan, and Carl never cease to impress.

Address: 8653 Hwy 51, Minocqua, Wisconsin (also located in Wisconsin Dells)

Tel: 715.356.6270

Paul Bunyan didn’t get to be a giant by eating tiny portions. And if you too want to grow up to be a giant you won’t be disappointed at the cook shanty. This place offers all-you-can-eat breakfast and all-you-can-eat double main entree dinners.

I dunno where they got ‘cook shanty’ from because it’s a HUGE log cabin through and through. There is much more effort put into the decor than any other aspect of the restaurant. There are plaid table cloths, fake pine trees strewn between the tables, and metal plates and cups to add to the feel. There is also old time memorabilia from the north slathered all over every available wall space: lumber jack equipment, old-fashioned cooking utensils, antlers, wagon wheels, lanterns and everything in-between. 

The lunches are a varied selection of salads and sandwiches. The double main entrees are a double serving of fried chicken and one other entree (either prime rib, seafood, or pasta) The dinner also comes with bread, salad, coleslaw, potatoes, and veggies. And of course, since it’s the North — Friday is the fish fry. The cod is served with potato pancakes, coleslaw, chicken, pasta, applesauce, and fries. Heck yes – potato pancakes! 

Ohhhh – my stomach is getting stretched just thinking about it. 

I’d have to recommend the breakfast because for a mere $9.75 you can have as many deeeelicious sugary, crumbly, buttermilk doughnuts you want! Mmmmmmm…. you can also have as much as you want of the following: pancakes, pieces cinnamony french toast, scrambled eggs, sausages, ham, hash browns, and gross gross wet balls of flour they refer to as “biscuits and gravy”. 

Everything is good – though fairly bland. If you’ll be wanting a flavor added to your food that’s not salt, pepper, or ketchup – you’d best be bringin’ your own hot sauce and rosemary to jazz up the eggs and potatoes.  

All the meals are served by overly sweet waitresses — the warm, friendly quick type you thought only existed in diners and truck stops on american made for tv movies. 

Paul Bunyan’s blandness can be made up for by the warm glow you’ll be leaving with. Partially from a comfy fullness and partially from being reminded of your wholesome all-american roots. 

This place is amazing — in a sort of disgusting way. 

Also on site: a bakery and excessively large gift shop.

Open: Breakfast is served from 7am to noon – lunches and dinners begin at noon and end around 9pm.

Parking: Sure – the lot’s virtually a football field. 

Reservations: No way – first of all; it’s family dining and secondly this is one of the biggest restaurants I’ve ever seen. 

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Perfect pairing:

Okkervil River – Don’t fall in love with everyone you see

Upbeat folk. The sounds and stories that are produced by Will Sheff’s broken soul will make you wanna dance while you cry. If you love Black Sheep Boy or the Stand Ins- this is the next logical move.

or

The National – Alligator

This album is some well executed indie-rock. These simple sounding songs manage to resonate. Imagine if Leonard Cohen and Interpol had a sexy baby.

207 Banff Avenue, Banff AB

403.762.4055

Website

Being an omnivore pays off once again! The Grizzly House – this place lives up to the hype. And it’s worth the price. Sure, it may look like a teepee cafe from the street, and it resembles a dank basement when you first walk in, but it’s a really cozy old lodge style restaurant with KICK ASS fondue!

First: The drinks. The beer selection is a good one. They’ve got something for everyone; from Moosehead to Guinness to Checkvar. If wines are more your deal – don’t worry. They have plenty of top BC wines (Golden Mile, Burrowing Owl, Laughing Stock), and their Ontario wine list includes Le Clos Jordanne and some yummy ice wines. 

One of the first things I noticed at the Grizzly House was the tantalizing smell wafting through the restaurant and into my nostrils. Mouth-watering meat sizzling away in garlic butter. Ahhhh fondue, the Swiss are geniuses! At the Grizzly House the fondue option are pretty well covered with oil, hot rock, cheese, and chocolate.

I’ve been to the Grizzly before and I can make most fondues at home – but I cannot concoct a 600F rock – so I opted for the hot rock fondue…well, actually I wanted to try every kind of fondue so I ordered the complete fondue dinner (4 courses and 4 different fondues for $53). Whoo! 

The first course soup/salad was fine. Nothing too jazzy in the salad department – the house dressing added a bit of zing to the dull green salad. The ‘soup of the moment’ was a rich and clear chicken tortellini. The next course was the cheese/oil fondue. The cheese fondue was really kick ass -cubes of bread are dipped into a mixture of gruyere and emmental with kirsch and garlic. This combo is amazingly good; however, the oil fondue was also great. Veggies are cooked in a bubbling pot of oil, garlic mash and other spices for 3-5 minutes and the flavor the oil gives to the broc, cauliflower, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes is sublime.

For the main course we had the ‘Hunter’ plate which consists of wild boar, bison, and elk. We also grabbed a bit of lobster and beef to try. Your plate comes out with 5 different dipping sauces for the meats: onion-bacon, spicy tomato, horseradish-dijon, teriyaki, and honey-garlic. All of the meats are excellent cuts and only need 3 minutes to cook on the sizzling hot rock. Yay for hot grilled meats!! The boar is amazing – and was a favorite at our table. The bison was delightful, as always (I fell in love with game meats long ago) – bison is like a tender, lean, flavorful version of beef. Once I started eating bison burgers – I began to secretly despise beef burgers. Anyway…the elk was also fabulous! Seriously, when do you get to eat purple meat?! And even though none was available; for future reference – elk meat pairs wonderfully well with hollandaise (or béarnaise) sauce. The Atlantic lobster is sweet and tender, and the beef was…well…beef. An excellent cut, though, it was sort of like eating a tiny steak. 

Alllright, at this point we are all super full and have agreed that this was well worth $50 each – but there is still a dessert fondue coming. The chocolate fondue comes with a selection of fruit for dipping and…I’ll just admit it: I’m a chocolate snob. At the Grizzly, in keeping with the Swiss fondue theme, they use Toblerone for the chocolate and it works really well. 

If you’re not really into the super exotic meats they have here (shark, alligator, rattlesnake, ostrich, frog) you can stick with chicken, beef, veggies, or get a steak ($30-50). The fondues vary in price ($18 and up) depending on which meat you want – so choose wisely (the rattlesnake tops out at $80 for an 8oz portion).

If you can afford it – go. If you can afford it it’s amazing here – but not everyone has $60 to drop on dinner. Maybe go for their lunch instead. You could get a tasty burger (buffalo or steak) $14 or a hot rock lunch ($17-24).

The servers …as in all of Banff are very experienced and excellent at their jobs without being snooty about it. But unless your face is blown off by the awesome service don’t tip extra! They’ve already added 15% to your bill. 

Open: 11.30am – 12am daily

Reservations: Make one! Even a few hours notice is better than nothing!

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Perfect Pairing:

Led Zeppelin - II

This album was #1 on the Billboard Pop Chart spanning over 2 decades (’69-’70). And is arguably more influential than their debut album. RAMBLE ON!

or 

Old 97′s – Fight songs

Pop with a bit of twang. The lyrics, hooks, and melodies are all solid. Plus, you’ll love Rhett Miller. His lonesome desperation is so witty it’s somehow uplifting.

1107 Kensington rd NW -or- 815 17th Ave SW, Calgary AB

403.270.2728

Website

Okay, okay — THE best cupcake store I’ve ever been to. For serious. Yes, I’ve been to Cupcakes on Denman… Crave is the best. From their signature, the Crave-O-Licious (pictured above) to their flavor of the month – everything here is spectacularly moist and rich without being overly sugary.

Oooohhhhh yeah, for a mere $2.65 any one of their 11 amazing flavors could be yours – their flavor catalogue includes…among others:

Vanilla (vanilla cake with pink vanilla buttercream icing), Nutty Over Chocolate (chocolate cake with peanut butter icing), Peppy Pattie (chocolate peppermint cake with white peppermint butter icing), A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts (chocolate or vanilla cake  with coconut topping), the Princess (vanilla cake with real strawberry puree), the Crave-O-Licious (chocolate cake with blue vanilla butter cream icing and chocolate shavings)… and my favorite Lemon-Lime Twist (lemon cake with green lime butter icing).

Mini cupcake versions of the flavors are also available for $1.55 each. Crave also stocks cookies (6 yummy flavors) and cakes (same delicious recipe and flavors as the cupcakes). Crave will do up the cakes as specialty orders with the prices ranging from $30 for a 6inch to $100 for a 14inch.

What I recommend to all my friends is that you go in near closing time to score a deal (they sometimes offer 2 for 1 to avoid wastage) or arrange a meeting to discuss a special order. I did this to go over pricing for the cupcake tree I ordered for my wedding. The meeting was a mere 15 minutes – we went over different prices for amounts, the deposit, and any custom designs I wanted. Afterwards they gave me 6 free cupcakes to try out some different flavors (even though I knew all along I was getting the lemon-lime, crave-o-licious, and the princess). Yeah! Nothing beats free cupcakes!

I L.O.V.E. the cupcakes from this place and I try to hit it up every time I’m in town. High fives all around for not having diabetes yet!

Hours: Tues-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5, closed Mondays.

Parking: Impossible

Deliveries: Available

Allergy alert: All the goods come in contact with nut stuff – so take your pesky allergies elsewhere.

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Perfect Pairing:

Cut copy – In ghost colors

An enjoyable album of electropop mingling with French House. This is perfect for people who don’t yet know they love New Order.

or

No Doubt – Tragic kingdom

Cautiously rebellious ear-candy. This album had 6 hit singles and reminds us that Gwen was million times better with a live band than she is with a soundboard and an entourage of Harajuku girls.

Address: 874 Granville (at Smithe), next to the Commodore.

The Granville location of Cafe Crepe is really hit and miss. Somethings are great and a really good deal — other things make me wonder why this place is so popular.

Here’s the rundown: crepes = okay, burgers = damn good, service = terrible, beer = hellz yea!

If you’re going for crepes try the lemon sugar ($4), or the nutella – any type of nutella will suffice (coconut, banana, walnut, strawberry, $5-7). As for the savory crepes stay away from the grossy baked chicken mixed with mayo – ugh. And instead go for something along the lines of the spinach and feta ($7), or ham and swiss ($6). The crepes are loaded with tonnes of good quality ingredients and are gooo-oood eatin’. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is that: the crepes are too bland to be considered savory. So, go with some of the saltier ingredients (ham, feta) and hold off on the really bland stuff – like swiss ‘n’ mushrooms.

I know this place is called cafe crepe…and they do serve crepes. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only -or- best offering. They also serve panini and baguettes($6-7)…and burgers! Hooray! Cafe Crepe has the best burger deal! For $7.75 you’ll get 1/2lb juicy angus burger and a mound of deeeelicious fries. The fries are seasoned fantastically -it’s very familiar … um, CB’s drive in, anyone? You could also substitute for the chicken burger which is also darn good. Sure the crepes are fine and everything – but this place shoulda stuck to making burgers – because that’s where they really shine…who are they kidding? For a place that’s “French” why is there no gravy? What a rip off!

However, they do make up for many of their imperfections with their cheap, cheap beer. Whoo! $10.34 for a pitcher of Granville, $4.31 for a 2 oz drink. Those are some hard prices to beat, especially in the middle of downtown. This is pretty much the entire reason we go there so frequently. Because we’re sure not going for the service; which ranges from half-assed to non-existent.

What else…um…this location is the best because they have a patio. The music is usually decent – but way too loud. And they tend to be showing bond flicks on the tvs – which is infinitely better than watching CNN or sports highlights.

The defining moment that totally sums up Cafe Crepe was realizing that the ‘napkins’  are in fact just pieces of bounty paper towel.

Pretend you’re visiting Alberta – get the burger and beer.

Open: 9am-12am

Parking: NO!

Reservations:NO!

Decent service:NO!

Please note: The other locations have the same menu but may not have such awful service.

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Perfect pairing:

Jawbox – Novelty

With this album Jawbox brought us post-hardcore intertwined with grunge. Yea, Dischord! Awwww, I miss 1992 – when the terms pop-punk and emo weren’t considered blatant insults.

or

Modest Mouse – We were dead before the ship even sank

Much like drunken yelling, this album is catchy but light years away from pretty. Listen to it and Isaac Brock will somehow make all your personal failures seem funny.

Address: 1088 Denman St, Vancouver (between Comox and Pendrell)

Tel: 604.683.0218

Shima is most definitely the truck stop of sushi restaurants. That’s not exactly a bad thing. Everything there is really straightforward and affordable. Shima’s got no flash; which is fine. We’re not always able to afford the flash…or the top of the line. Shima’s all around acceptable except for these 3 unforgivable flaws: 

1- The WORST chopsticks of all time ever. Think flimsy — pretty much a bunch of slivers glued together. 

2- Cash only. Boo! That’s not exactly convenient. Come on, it’s 2008!

3- They don’t have a liquor license. If we’ve ever met; you’ll know that this is an unforgivable sin in my books.

But…let’s look at the silver lining here – all these so-called flaws keep their place half empty and the prices down. Just admit it, sometimes that’s exactly what your struggling bank account needs.

Shima does have fast sweethearts as servers and decent food. The sashimi ($6-12) not to die for — but few things are – so get over it. At least the sashimi’s not chewy or sludgy. The teriyaki is crispy on the outside and pretty darn good for $5-7. Besides that they have all the regular goods — udon $5-8, a variety of rolls $2-7, tempura, appetizers, and donburi….but who cares? They have a million…(well okay, maybe more like 20) combos to try that are all very reasonably priced. From a 12 pc veggie combo for $5 to a $12 box that includes sashimi, sushi, tempura, teriyaki, salad, and soup — shima’s just basic and a good deal.
Don’t go out of your way to go to Shima – but don’t go out of your way to avoid it, either. Shima’s basically inoffensive in every imaginable sense. 

Open: Until 11 nightly

Reservations: Totally unnecessary

Parking: Not happening

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Perfect pairing:

Andrew Bird – Armchair apocrypha

This multi-instrumentalist puts forth a very pretty album. It’s mellow and bizarre all at once. The singing and violin will amaze — but that’s balanced with a heavy dose of creepy whistling.

or

Ben Lee – Breathing tornadoes

Though it may have the worst album cover ever – the songs are good. I wish I’d been smart enough to be so inoffensive when I was 20. A pleasing attempt at soulful.

Address: 1741 Robson St, Vancouver (at Denman).

Tel: 604.688.6980

Benkei is a ramen house very similar to the famous Kintaro located just around the corner. Benkei specializes in Tonkotsu, Miso, and a Mixed Light soup. All their soups are, of course, ramen with different broths. Tonkotsu is made by boiling pork for hours and is the heaviest of the soup broths. The Mixed Light soup is just that, a very light delicate broth made of boiled chicken and pork (it is billed as being the most popular with the ladies). And, the most recent addition to the ramen family, the salty good Miso.

The soups here are quite large and all start at $7, but can go up to $11 if you add all the extra toppings (green onion, bamboo, egg, nori, butter, spinach, sprouts, kim chi, corn). The soups all come with slices of Chashu (roast pork). Though I do not find the pork to be as flavorful or tender as it is at Kintaro. 

The soup options are the same as at Kintaro — there is a Shio:

the lightest ramen, a pale yellow broth made from salt and a combo of chicken and pork bones. Shio is the healthiest kind of ramen; but at Benkei I found this soup to be too heavy (though still tasty). The heaviness may have something to do with the meat and egg added to fill the soup.

Next there is a Shoyu:

a soy sauce ramen that has a sort of brown broth. It is based on chicken stock with soy added for some extra zazz. The Shoyu here is light and yummy – adorned with nori, bamboo, spinach, chashu, and green onion.

Finally the Miso:

a delightful miso mixed with oily chicken broth and tonkotsu to create a lovely sweet soup. It comes with green onion, sprouts, bamboo, and chashu. This was my favorite. Not as salty as some miso, it finds a perfect balance with both its chicken and tonkotsu (boiled pork bone). 

All the soups here have the same curly, chewy, ramen noodles – not the more traditional straight noodles you will find at other ramen places. Don’t forget to ask for the tea! They will bring you a deeelicious free green tea with roasted brown rice (if you’re keen enough to ask for it). The food comes quickly…I mean ridiculously quickly — and they’ll still apologize for the wait. We got all 4 of our soups in under 10 minutes.

This place is always sort of busy, but nothing like Kintaro’s constant line up out the door. The bright lights are party-esque and the bamboo and wood decor is a step up from Kintaro’s old dirty kitchen feel. Benkei’s, with their comparable prices, will provide Kintaro with some decent competition. However, Benkei’s modern pleasantries and attractive facade cannot make one forget why Kintaro became so damn famous for their flavorful soups which are still second to none.

Open: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm-11pm

Parking: Not totally hopeless in the evening.

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Perfect pairing:

Bob Dylan – Blonde on blonde

Different styles and ideas come together to make an undeniably great album. Can you believe sad-eyed lady of the lowlands was done in one take?

or

Phoenix – It’s never been like that

This band from Versailles may not have achieved the same success as Air or Daft Punk — but this album’ll jam your jangly heart straight into Indieville. It’s sensitive and danceable all at once.