Each class is based on a different method, but they are all versions of the same thing. The class starts with a quick warm-up of leg and arm lifts, followed by an intense round of arm work with light (2-3 pounds) weights and high repetition, then leg, butt, and abdominal work at the ballet barre. Between each segment you stretch out the muscles you’ve just worked so it’s a constant switch between intensity and elongation.

So far I’ve tried the Dailey Method and Xtend Barre classes and they’re challenging but fun. I enjoyed and recommend both classes, although I am currently on an unlimited introductory month at the Dailey Method in Dunbar as it’s the most economical option.

The Dailey Method:
- Originated in San Francisco by Jill Dailey
- This is the first studio in Canada, with 23 studios around the world
- Beautiful studio, with showers, change rooms with lots of amenities, lockers, Lululemon merchandise for sale, and child care
- The instructors are excellent and cue well. A lot of focus is placed on neutral spine, proper form, and core conditioning
- The downsides: First, the exercise studio is carpeted – it’s very clean but I still find carpeted exercise rooms a bit germy feeling. Second, class sizes can be quite full so there’s less individual attention

Xtend Barre:
- Originated by dancer Andrea Rogers
- Workouts emphasize a mix of dance, ballet, and pilates
- This method is available exclusively at Devine Fitness & Pilates in Kerrisdale
- The instructors are great and the classes have a little more variety than the Dailey Method
- Classes are smaller, so there’s more individual attention given to form
- The downsides: since the class sizes are smaller, the price is higher

No matter what barre class you end up at, I like the workouts. They’re great for sculpting and toning your body. With some cardio on alternate days, I think a beautiful body is within reach. I’m starting to see some results doing the workouts 3-4x/week, but it’s still early. Ask me in a couple months and I’ll let you know how effective it really is.

Fresh fish rules here and the restaurant only services sushi, sashimi, rice bowls, miso, and a small selection of salads and appetizers. There’s no teriyaki or tempura or yakisoba here and you wouldn’t want it anyways because the fish is that good.

For nigiri/sashimi, my usuals are hotate (scallop), toro (tuna belly), saba (mackerel), and sake (salmon) – I’m never disappointed at Ajisai. For those who love fresh fish, you know what that perfect sushi experience is like – a burst of flavour that melts in your mouth with a buttery texture sliding down your throat. Pure joy.

I also enjoy the toro taku roll (tuna belly with pickles) and the saba pressed sushi is awesome – nice texture, that fresh saba flavour, and a good vinegar bite from the rice.

And remember – the mountain potato appetizer is not the same as regular potato. And by saying this I’m not encouraging you to order it – mountain potatoes are an acquired taste I have not acquired.

When you open the door of Ajisai, you’re greeted with the most delicious smell of a good Japanese restaurant. It’s a small, tastefully decorated restaurant with a few tables and a sushi bar. You can generally get in for lunch but dinner can be a wait at times. They also accept take out orders.

For the quality of food you’re paying very reasonable prices. The lunch bento box is $8.50. Spinach gomaae runs $4. Rolls and pressed sushi range from $2-10.

While Ajisai’s address is on 42nd Avenue, it’s actually part of a store complex in between 41st and 42nd, near the Curves. A little tricky to find, but worth the effort.

Ajisai Sushi Bar
2081 W. 42nd Ave (b/w Maple & E. Blvd, near Curves and London Drugs)
Vancouver
604-266-1428

A month ago, I finally ate there and I can’t believe I waited to so long!

Fish cafe is the ideal neighbourhood restaurant for me. Small & welcoming room, happy customers, and awesome & friendly staff.

How it works at Fish Cafe:

- There is no paper menu, it’s on a big chalkboard in the restaurant
- Each day, the restaurant lists the fresh fish they have on the big chalkboard. The list changes daily based on availability, the season, and freshness.
- You choose how you you’d like your fish prepared (deep-fried, grilled, or blackened) and an accompanying sauce (lemon, garlic butter, tartar, and an excellent peri-peri sauce). Your fish also comes with your choice of rice or fries.
- Additional menu items they carry include some good salads (caesar, greek, green), crab cakes, calamari (grilled or fried) and soup.

Everything is freshly made and well cooked…except for the fries, which I’d guess come from a bag (too bad, but it is a small kitchen – at least in the Kits location).

I’ve been a couple times now. My last visit included:

- A perfectly cooked piece of halibut, blackened with peri-peri sauce. Mmmmm, it was so good. Not overcooked, not dry. Moist, flavourful, fresh.
- Feature cocktail: a strawberry mojito, with fresh strawberry puree
- A small caesar salad – crisp romaine and good parmesan – the real deal
- The husband had the Cod and Chips, which he deemed excellent, especialy the cod. I still think that real fish and chips require freshly cut chips, but the fish was excellent.

Prices: reasonable. I think fish & chips are about $13. My halibut was a smallish piece for $18. Depending on what we order, dinner for 2 with drinks is usually between $40-60.

Yum! Now I feel like going back tonight! In Kits, Fish Cafe is super close to Kits Beach and a great dinner spot before/after a walk on the beach.

Fish Café
2053 W. 41st Avenue (Kerrisdale)
604 267 3474
Open for lunch and dinner; brunch on the weekends.