Shima-Ya Sushi (5589 Victoria Drive)



Shima-Ya sushi on Victoria Drive is one of the best sushi restaurant in the Lower Mainland. This establishment is operated by a Japanese couple. The restaurant is not that big so reservations are recommended during the weekends. There are no fried items on the menu as it is prohibited under the strata rules.

I have been eating here since it first opened up 5-6 years ago. Their seafoods are very fresh as there are no fishy taste in them unlike some other places I had tried. Everything I ate on their menu are tastes good.

 

The restaurant is not that big. There are only five tables with accomodates two people each. They will combine the tables together for more people.  Also, only eight chairs at the counter.

 

A view of what you see when sitting at the counter. Some fresh scallops, shrimps, kohada, and tai in a bowl.

 

 

 



Omakase Sushi Combo + Miso Soup(dine-in) $31

Here is one of their most expensive combo to get there. The Omakase(Chef Choice) Nigiri Combo consists of 10 pcs of their finest nigiri that they have in stock that day.  This one has  been cut in half for easier sharing purposes.





Deluxe Nigiri + Tuna Roll ($17) Saba Battera ($11)

 




For those just wanting a more simple selection to their nigiri is the Assorted Nigiri ($15) and the Deluxe Nigiri. We had the Deluxe Nigiri Combo as well as a Saba(Mackeral) Battera located in the middle.

 
 
 
 
 
 


Spicy Roll Combo ($18)



I like the sauce they have for their spicy rolls. There is a blend of mayo in the sauce which makes it taste better than just hot sauce by itself.

Ma-dai Soup (Red Seabream Snapper)

 
 

This is a fish bone soup they have special at times. Its a clear broth topped with green onions. It has a nice taste.

 

 

Verdict:

 

I really enjoyed my experience eating at Shima-Ya. The quality of their sushi is always very good. The size of their rolls is of a good proportion where it is not a jumbo piece of rice. At times food will come out at a slower rate when the restaurant gets full. But the food is worth the wait no matter how long it takes. Food just melts in your mouth when you eat it.

 

 

Service: 4.5/5
Food: 5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5



Save On Meats (43 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC)



View from Entrance

First time visiting Save On Meats with my friends. Came here to give it a try since we saw it featured on one of the Food Network's Shows, Diners, Drive-Ins' and Dives.

Greeted with a huge line up during the lunch hours. You have to write down your name and number of seats you want on their whiteboard. Neat system. While we were waiting, I gave their interior a good look.

There are a fair number of seats at the bar for those coming by themselves or in a group of two with a couple of tables and booths along the sides. You probably want to know what we had so just look below.

The Burger ($6.95)

This burger here is only for  $6.95. For those of you looking for a juicy burger go elsewhere. But if you want a flavourful burger this is it. Made in stores fresh everyday their patty is packed full of herb flavours. Top it off with nice crispy bacon strips, lettuce, tomato, melted cheddar, and BBQ sauce. Fries could have been better if it was served out fresh. It was a little bit on the mushy side.

 





All Day Breakfast ($4.25 + $2 for meat)

For those looking for an All Day Breakfast. This grand breakfast comes with two eggs, hashbrowns, two slices of toast served with housemade jam, and sausges. Ever feel you sausages taste too oily in other restaurants? These here are on the leaner side.  Other than that the eggs, hasbrown, and toasts are simliar to every other breakfast. Shame it came out lukewarm.



Tuna Melt ($7.90)

This here is their tuna melt served with you choice of sides. This is good for those just satisfying your hunger needs without being to overly full. The side of green salad was served with a light drizzle of what tasted like raspberries. As well it came out lukewarm. I was expecting this dish to come out as a sandwich.

 

Ambiance:

The interior looks pretty rustic with the brick wall located on the right side of the diner. It was pretty clean til i saw a part of the ceiling where I sat on the counter. There was some gooey yellow looking liquid thing on the top which didnt look very pleasing.
 

Verdict:

It was a disappointment our food came out to us lukewarm. This was probably due to the fact the diner was jam packed when we came to try. We would probably try and come back in the future to try out their other foods during non peak hours. 


Service: 3/5
Food: 3/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Overall: 3/5