Vancouver Good

I went to Guu with Otokomae the other day and was reminded of how much I love all the Guu locations. I’m going to highlight my two favourites in the local chain, which is expanding to Toronto – it won’t be a Vancouver secret for long!

For lunch, one of the best deals in town is at the original Guu location on Thurlow St where the most expensive lunch item is $8.00. My guilty favourite is Agemono – assorted deep fried things. It usually includes a fried pork cutlet, croquette, and fried chicken with rice, japanese pickles, and potato salad (strange sounding combo, but tastes good). When I am trying to be good, it’s grilled mackerel, super crispy and full of salty flavour. Mmmmm. Grilled beef, chicken, and Japanese curries are also popular menu items. Have your lunch with lots of green tea and you’ll be ready for the rest of the day.

For dinner, my favourite Guu is the Gastown location – Guu with Otokomae. The room is more open compared to to the other locations, it’s got a a great drink list, and once upon a time it was easier to get into, although expect line-ups now. The food is accessible, interesting, and affordable. Some favourites from my latest visit:

• Off the fresh sheet: yaki soba with a salt & pepper sauce and bean sprouts
• Fried croquettes with a light and creamy filling
• Chicken karaage – fried chicken, which the Japanese do so well
• Flavourful grilled beef and vegetable skewer
• Off the fresh sheet: Toro tataki with a citrus flavours

They seem to have added some Chinese dim sum to the menu also, which seems a bit strange – haven’t tried it yet. The menu offers lots of selection – go with friends and order as much as you can. For 3 of us including beer, the bill was $60. A great price.

If you’ve never been to a Guu before, think of a casual, dark restaurant with a jovial staff that’s always yelling out welcomes and goodbyes as customers come and go. Each location has its own theme and flavour, but it’s always fun. For example, here is how the Thurlow restaurant describes themselves:

This is a short trip to Tokyo.
Don’t worry about things in your life.
Get drunk and have fun! Our friendly staffs will help you to forget everything.

The other Guu locations are Guu with Garlic on Robson Street and Guu in Richmond. They’re all good and they all have different menus, so put them all on your list and find your favourite.

Guu – various locations

Guu Original
838 Thurlow Street (near Robson)
604-685-8817

Guu with Otokomae
#105-375 Water St. (near Richards)
604-685-8682