Mark, Author at The Vancouver Takeout Blog

Masayoshi

On May 11, 2021

Opened in 2015 by Tojo’s alumnus Masayoshi Baba, Masayoshi’s 24-seat restaurant was one of the first to bring a high-end Omakase-only dining experience to Vancouver. After trying it a few years ago, it’s still memorable as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Vancouver, but one that left me hungry even after spending $100+ person (it’s $160 now).

Due to the lack of value I never returned. However with the closure of indoor dining and launch of a new takeout menu, it’s interesting to see how a two-seating-per-night fixed-price Omakase restaurant adapts to today’s environment.

The Keg (Burnaby)

by Mark

On April 22, 2021

In Burnaby

Being the largest and most well known steakhouse chain in Canada, The Keg needs no introduction. Steak is probably my favorite food in the world, so as a disclaimer: I’m not approaching this review from the perspective of a steak-lover. You’re not going to find dry-aged prime steaks here, or descriptions of marbling, where a cow came from or what its diet included. However what you get is a consistent experience and prime rib that’s available every day of the week without breaking the bank too much.

Street Auntie Aperitivo House

by Mark

On April 8, 2021

In Vancouver

Street Auntie Aperitivo House is a new Chinese street food-inspired restaurant which opened up in late 2020 during the pandemic. The use of Aperitivo in its name is a little odd, and briefly got my hopes up that Vancouver was finally bringing over Italy’s glorious tradition of drinks and free pre-dinner (!!!) buffets.

Say Mercy!

by Mark

On March 31, 2021

In Vancouver

Say Mercy! opened during the beginning of 2020 by chef Sean Reeve and his group who also runs the MacKenzie Room. The opening was highly anticipated and I looked forward to trying their food, before the lockdowns in mid-March forced them to close shortly after. Fortunately they adapted quickly to the times and offered heat-and-serve meals and a patio-style sandwich bar over the summer.

Sashimiya

by Mark

On March 4, 2021

In Vancouver

Sashimiya is a takeout sushi and sashimi shop opened recently by Takayuki Omi, formerly the executive sushi chef at Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Lobby Lounge RawBar. While Vancouver seems to have sushi joints every block, there’s a gap in the market for higher quality offerings that don’t break the bank. I’ve been looking forward to trying Sashimiya since it opened: a successful chef who strikes out on his own to open a no-frills takeout restaurant is the kind of stuff foodie dreams are made of.

Yandoux Patisserie

by Mark

On February 24, 2021

In Vancouver

Yandoux is a patisserie in Olympic Village that offers custom cakes, a selection of individual-portion cakes in their showcase as well as pastries and afternoon tea sets. I stopped by to grab some dessert to-go while waiting for my pickup order from Boca’O nearby.

Boca’O

by Mark

On February 13, 2021

In Vancouver

Boca’O is a Spanish food truck that specializes in Tapas. They opened in 2019, but I only recently heard of them while browsing Tock for takeout restaurants. I had to cancel my trip to Spain last May due to COVID-19, along with the El Celler de Can Roca reservation I managed to snag 11 months in advance. Needless to say, I was disappointed and have pined for Spanish food ever since.

Chez Christophe

by Mark

On February 4, 2021

In Burnaby

Despite being in my neighborhood, Chez Christophe in Burnaby Heights is one of those places I’ve passed by for years without visiting, instead opting to drive downtown or to the North Shore for my patisserie cravings. It wasn’t until I saw the socially-distanced lineups out the door at the onset of COVID-19 that prompted me to check the place out and realize what I’ve been missing in my own backyard this whole time.

Miku Waterfront

by Mark

On January 27, 2021

In Vancouver

Miku first opened in 2008 at Hastings and Thurlow, as restaurant group Tora Corporation’s first location outside of Japan. Since then, Miku has moved to its current waterfront space, opened the near-identical sister restaurant Minami in Yaletown, Gyoza Bar and expanded to locations in Toronto, all under its Aburi Restaurants Canada brand.

Freebird at Home by Maenam

by Mark

On January 21, 2021

In Vancouver

Freebird is an Asian-style chicken shack, one of the newer additions to famed local chef Angus An’s culinary empire. It opened a few years ago in New Westminster’s River Market, but never seemed as busy and popular as his other ventures, such as Longtail Kitchen which was literally around the corner from Freebird. It then closed in 2019 and moved into a cafe-like space in Chinatown. That location closed too this past summer, with Freebird becoming a takeout-only restaurant operating out of Maenam‘s kitchen.

Unfiltered and unbiased reviews. No sponsored posts.

Author: Mark Page 1 of 2

Masayoshi

The Keg (Burnaby)

Street Auntie Aperitivo House

Say Mercy!

Sashimiya

Yandoux Patisserie

Boca’O

Chez Christophe

Miku Waterfront

Freebird at Home by Maenam