Sometimes you go to a restaurant because it’s your favorite place, and every time you’re in the area, you MUST go there, because it is AMAZING. Now if you have to drive over 180 miles to get there, do you go to the same place twice in a weekend, or do you take your chances on some place new that might become your next new favorite place? Kingyo in Vancouver is definitely a favorite, and The Daring Ronin and I did have to think long and hard about whether or not we wanted to have the invincible dan dan noodles again so soon with the taste still so fresh in our minds (one must savor the memory of the flavor!), but in the end, we opted to try something new: Guu Garlic Izakaya on the north end of Robson, not the original one on Thurlow, but their second shop in the downtown area.
We came before the rush at 6pm on a Sunday and sat at the bar – perfect timing as the tiny restaurant filled up quickly soon after. It’s a high energy restaurant, even if it is contained in such a small space, with the wait staff loudly announcing all the orders in Japanese and the kitchen staff dutifully repeating it. Every table orders at least 5 dishes, you learn to channel their energy and watch the counter closely for the delicious dishes fabricated by the chefs. Everything looked good, and I had to stop myself from ordering additional serving of sashimi after seeing thick, brightly colored cuts of tuna continuously coming out of the kitchen.
I love how the place is unassuming and that they are not afraid to use bold flavors without becoming Asian fusion. My favorite dishes were the pork belly broth and the Hamachi belly. The way Guu Garlic combines flavors and cooks things perfectly makes it hard to resist. We ordered 5 dishes between the two of us and left happily satiated, with just enough room for bubble tea afterwards.
Overall, I really liked Guu Garlic. While it may not be Kingyo, it’s still a great place to go. Kingyo is a little more refined and has more dishes that amaze, but Guu is perfect for those lower key nights, and still sure to please.
SUMMARY
Overall: happily ever after
Highlights: pork belly broth, Hamachi belly
Footnotes: it is noisy with the wait staff constantly yelling orders; they do take reservations for parties of 4+; dishes arrive as they are done, so pace yourself appropriately and keep a menu in case you see something you want to order come off the kitchen counter; these are small plates, order a variety of dishes and share!