Yoshoku-Ya
774 Denman Street
Vancouver, BC
During the sort-of coldsnap we had in the last couple of weeks, I was looking for something warm for lunch. While I have had my share of soups from Safeway (which, I will admit can be a really cheap lunch – soup and a sandwich bun is barely $5), I wanted something heavier. That is why I went initially to Kintaro. But, alas, pretty much everybody had the same idea and, as a result, it was full with a queue outside. While looking for options, I noticed a place almost next to it I haven’t meant to go previously: Yoshoku-Ya. Similar to Barefoot Kitchen and as the name might suggest, they serve Western dishes, Japanese style.
For good or for bad, the restaurant was somewhat empty. Three other tables and myself were the only customers during the whole meal. Or could it be the rest was still in the Kintaro line? After given the menu, there was one item that caught my attention but, in the end, did not order: omurice. think of an omelet filled with fried rice. Yes, I know it sounds strange but wasn’t in mood for fried rice. Instead, I ordered…
Hamburg steak, the Japanese version of a Salisbury steak, which is served with potatoes, peas, carrots and rice. Out of all the vegetables, I will have to admit the carrots were really well made. It was soft, yet maintaining some bite (i.e., did not crumble nor was crunchy). Best of all? it had some sweet taste to it. The other vegetables, regrettably was forgivable.
As for the “key” component itself, the hamburg steak, I will have to admit I was pretty disappointed. Now, it wasn’t bad but it did not have much to it either. The “steak” was quite well cooked, i.e., cooked through yet still moist. But, there was still a key problem: I did not taste any seasoning. It was mostly meat… Wait, take that back, it did not have that much beef taste to it either. And, unfortunately, the sauce on top, which originally I thought was demi-glace, did not anything at all. It was mostly a sauce but without any savoury overtones.
After I left, I started to wonder what went wrong. Could it be I ordered the wrong item? Did I go at the wrong time of the day? I really wanted to like it, as I liked Barefoot Kitchen and they serve the same type of cooking. I want to give it another chance but, unfortunately, I am not willing to go again without having an idea of what to order. Until then, Yoshoku-Ya, unfortunately, will be a pass for me.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this restaurant! They’re known for their curry.
Trust me…it’s something you can’t miss out on
Ariel, welcome! Thanks for pointing the curry because that is what I had at Barefoot Kitchen. I guess I should pay them a visit again, eh?
Definitely try the katsu curry, it’s awesome comfort food. I also love the chicken creamy croquettes, it comes with rice and salad with the best dressing ever. Give it another try!
At night, they place gets busy…
I had the hamburg with demi-glace sauce at the Barefoot Kitchen today and it was divine. I have finally found a place where I can order this and it is prepared properly, so I am ecstatic. The deep fried prawn and croquette were also yummy. Best croquette I have ever had.
I ended the meal with a creme brulee and totally had an “Amelie” experience. Loved, loved, loved it.
OK, enough with the praises, when can I return and try the other yoshoku items?
Holly, “an Amelie experience”… You really made me smirk with that remark, hehehehe. While I owe a re-visit to Yoshoku-Ya, for some reason, if I were to have yoshoku, I feel more likely to go to Barefoot Kitchen instead. I guess I will ahve to “fight” that urge!
Kim I saw pictures on my friend’s Facebook and the Tonkatsu looked really good. Maybe that’s the item to order…
Elaine2, next time… Next time…?
I love this restaurant! Their famous for their curries, but my favourite from them is the soy butter steak. The soy butter sauce is amazing, and I’ve yet to try it from anywhere else that has a better sauce than them.
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