Monthly Archives: March 2014

The Sample Sale Guys

This event comes around to different cities across Canada. They were here a few months ago in Vancouver at the Empire Landmark Hotel in downtown. They carry new brand clothing and accessories for both women and men at a discount. Some popular brands they sell are:
•    Coach Bags
•    Diesel
•    Gucci
•    Marc Jacobs
•    Michael Kors
•    Prada
•    Uggs

idearabbit-michaelkorrs
I saw their ad in the newspaper which was also a coupon for 10% off if you pay in cash. I got Michael Kors totebag originally priced at $240, and discounted to $179.99 + 10% off.
It has side pockets on both sides inside making it very convenient to put small items like lipstick, tickets and keys in a totebag. Next time they’re in town, check them out!

Upcoming…

EXECUTIVE HOTEL

7311 Westminster Hwy, Richmond,BC

Mar 25 – Mar 28 2014

Tues 25th 11AM-MIDNIGHT
Wed 26th 11AM-MIDNIGHT
Thurs 27th 11AM-10PM
Fri 28th 11AM-8PM

Gyu King Teppanyaki

Gyu Japanese Teppanyaki on UrbanspoonSheepie and I were walking through downtown and saw the sandwich board for their restaurant on the sidewalk. It was on the second floor, so I guess that’s why they have the sandwich board – otherwise, we would have never known that the restaurant was up there.

I saw other reviews complaining about the portions for the price, so I was prepared in getting not much in terms of quantity, so I was looking for quality and entertainment- as the chef would grill the food right in front of you. Not that I am saying that the chef is entertainment, but it’s not every restaurant you get to see the chef prepare the food right in front of you.

idearabbit-gyuking idearabbit-gyuking2

The 3 sauces. The other plate on the grill is where the chef will place the grilled food for you.idearabbit-gyuking3 idearabbit-gyuking4

I ordered the Scallops $13.95.  Yes, I think there were 8 pieces which we split amongst both of us. Sheepie ordered the Economy Value $28.50 which included a tiny bowl of salad, miso soup, salmon steak, prawn, squid, chicken, pork, assorted veggies and one small bowl of rice, all of which we shared.

If you’re in a hurry. Do not go to this place. There is one chef for our side of the grill which had Sheepie and I, with another group of 4 people. She made one or two item at a time with breaks in between where she would leave, so it took a really long time for us to dine. Also, if you’re not into sitting beside strangers while eating, this may not be the place either. Everyone sits around the grill together, so unless you’re sitting in between people you know, expect to be seated with strangers – which isn’t a bad thing. But perhaps not a place to discuss confidential or private topics.

I’ve read about some people complaining the chefs not talking but I didn’t mind about that part. I guess it would have been more entertaining and lively, but I guess I’m used to ‘quiet’ service coming from Japan. So that wasn’t a bother.

Indeed the portions were quite small, but the taste was good. You see them using a lot of butter with everything so definitely is not healthy…I actually would have preferred them without butter and the sauce to dip would have been quite enough. Sheepie was shocked to hear that our dinner service has ended, even though I had told him at the beginning of how I had read reviews of the small portions.

I didn’t find the service rude or anything. They took my coat to a closet, and since I didn’t want it smelling like oil and grill, I gladly handed over the coat to the server. They kept coming back often to refill our tea cup. I find the service quite satisfactory.

The taste/flavour was pretty good. There were 3 choices for sauces for the grilled food. I mainly stuck with the teriyaki bulgogi-like sauce. Again, too much use of butter in all their grilling for me. The rice was only half cooked. Blah.

Would I ever come back again? Probably not, mainly for the price. So unless I can get a really good deal on Groupon or something. I don’t see myself returning paying over $50 for something that was more in the $30 range.

 Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot     Price for Value: carrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrot    Service:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot

Aotoya – The Blue Door

Aoto-ya Blue Door Japanese Restaurant 青戶家 on UrbanspoonSo a while back, Tenhachi, my favourite and most authentic Japanese restaurant closed down (see post here of Tenhachi). But they reopened at a new location. Unfortunately, although I had seen ads and heard my friends going there, but because it was somewhat afar from where I lived, I didn’t get a chance to check it out – until now.

To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with the interior. Fluorescent lighting, torn booth benches taped together with duck-tape and overall was not a comfy, warm atmosphere. We were a little skeptical at first because we were the only ones in there, but by the time we were about the leave, it was almost full house.

idearabbit-aotoya idearabbit_aotoya_1idearabbit_aotoya_2 Sukiyaki don with miso soup $10.95

idearabbit_aotoya_4idearabbit_aotoya_3 Sansai Udon $9.95

I would have loved to order a teishoku, but since I wasn’t really feeling all that hungry, and I wanted something refreshing and light, I ordered the Sansai Udon $9.95 which had mushroom, ferns and vegetables. Sheepie ordered the Sukiyaki don with miso soup $10.95

The Sansai Udon was really good. Some might say it’s a bit on the bland side, but I prefer things that are light, so it was perfect for me. The ferns made the dish feel healthy. The udon was ‘good’ udon. Not those $1 udon in a pack that are super thick and white – cheap to buy and low in quality. These are smooth, actually tastes good and just goes down really quickly.

The service was fine. However, if I didn’t know that it was Tenhachi, I dunno if the Sansai was enough to make me want to return again. Not that the Sansai was bad or anything, but the overall atmosphere and experience wasn’t all that wow. I dunno, but it seemed a bit depressing…which does affect the food. I will have to go back and try the teishoku for another assessment :) Will continue…

Second Time

Back to Aotoya for the second time. This time, it was jammed packed so we had a bit of waiting time. Food is excellent. Very authentic Japanese food. The restaurant, as I have complained before needs upgrading. It’s a bit worn down and you can really see it on your way past the tables to the restrooms.

idearabbit-aotoya5I ordered the Chicken Karaage Teishoku $13.95 (for Dinner). Each teishoku (set) comes with a kobachi side dish, pickles, a bowl of rice and special miso soup.idearabbit-aotoya6

Sheepie’s bento looked really nice, though I guess you are paying double the amount of a cheap, lower quality restaurant. California Roll Dinner Box $13.95 – tempura, chicken/beef teriyaki or chicken ponzu, seaweed salad, deep fried daily special (in this case, he had karaage and a spring roll) and special miso soup.

idearabbit-aotoya7We were there on a weekend, and we had no idea that there was even a promo for getting a free dessert. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, if you order more than $20, you get a complimentary dessert! It was a nice surprise. So I ordered the Strawberry Parfait – nice small portion for not getting too much sugar. Delicious and cute size.

 Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot     Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrot    Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrot