Vancity Vibes | DAY 4: (Pt. 2) Yui Japanese Bistro + Earnest Ice Cream

Read Part 1 HERE !

The shuttle would deliver us to three coordinates within downtown: The Blue Horizon on Robson, Hyatt Regency on Burrard, and Canada Place at Waterfront.

Source: Google Maps

We had originally agreed on the first stop, as we could venture along Robson Street in search of sushi. Due to construction, the driver had adopted an alternate route and stopped at Alberni and Bute instead. Rather than trekking to Ebisu, I proposed heading across West Georgia in the direction of my second choice, Yui Japanese Bistro.

It was a familiar name to me, or perhaps a common-sounding name evoking a sense of familiarity. Entering the office building, we roamed about until locating its entrance. Little had I known of its compact quarters: the eatery was no more than a cashier, kitchen and inventory area, and a series of bar stools along a corridor-facing side.

The Thai ahgase was initially hesitant, for space seemed too limited for good sushi - a reasonable impression given the statistics of similarly furnished Toronto eateries.

​She soon warmed up to the hospitable service, as well as the variety of mix-and-match options

Known as the Yui Plate, customers had the options of combining two styles of Regular Vegan Oshi (6-piece set) or Regular Oshi (another 6-piece set) for $13.50. Six-piece Regular Aburi Oshi was priced separately, with mix-and-match options possible for Salmon, Ebi, and Saba.
Separate sections would speak to the "Specials": Special Vegan Oshi, Special Aburi Oshi, and Chef Special Sushi Roll. Oshi sushi varieties remained consistent in their six-piece presentation, while each maki order would comprise of eight rolls.​

​The Thai ahgase, now ravenous, opted for six pieces each of Dynamite and Chopped Scallop. I, erring on the conservative side, chose the Aburi Salmon Oshi, knowing fully that I wouldn't have the stomach capacity to deplete twelve pieces. Supplementing my meal was the Yui House Salad, for I felt weakened by the recent lack of greens.

Our selections were presented in takeout containers: plastic, lid-less trays for the sushi and a lined paper box for the salad.
The Thai ahgase took to munching on her neatly arranged array upon its delivery, expressing enthusiasm at its flavourful properties and substantial presence. My own tray bore glossy sections of torched salmon oshi topped with razor-thin jalapeno slices. Contrary to my expectations, they were rather small portions, and composed of an exorbitant rice-to-fish ratio. That said, each was extremely buttery - soft enough to disintegrate with attempts at segregation. Albeit tasty and economic for aburi, its overall impression was, personally, quite satiating.

​The Yui House Salad was likely the highlight of my meal, just as with Dosanko. Within the box was a vibrant medley of broccoli (lightly blanched, as per my preference), mixed greens, baby carrots, pickled baby corn (a favourite of mine, but elevated!), sweet corn kernels, and a few cherry tomatoes. (I extracted the slivers of red onion.) Its constituents, while arguably basic, were far more enjoyable than the depressing amalgamation of wilted leaves from most GTA eateries. Furthermore, the ingredients were lightly seasoned, as opposed to tossed in plain.

Most notable were the slices of sweetened, dehydrated lemon slices topping the synthesis; they offered a phenomenal accent: crispiness and zestiness that would refresh the palate with every nibble.

A ponzu dressing was contained on the side. Rarely do I sample salad dressing, but my curiosity was piqued this time. The dark solution was light and refreshing, bearing an adequate amount of sodium for umami and sweetness/acidity offset.

During our stay, the eatery had their inventory of raw fish replenished. Large cases were transported behind a cloth curtain, presumably to a preparation area hidden from public view. As I rotated towards the cashier area, I noticed microgreens positioned on the top shelf in the open kitchen area. The observation came as surprising to me, for establishments in such locations are often geared towards quick, lunchtime sales for busy office workers. The emphasis is often on speed, rather than quality or fine, finishing furnishings.

I took my remaining salad home, along with a fresh pair of splinter-free wooden chopsticks. Oh BC, you always do food right.

​We then ventured towards Main Street-Science World station, the Thai ahgase led by a promise for dessert.

​It was my first time disembarking at the SkyTrain station, instead of bypassing it en route downtown. I lacked familiarity with the area, but swiftly concluded the area to be of a higher income grade than Stadium-Chinatown. Beyond a few questionable citizens lurking about the station entrances, the neighbourhood was pristine, with cycling infrastructure installed in a thorough manner.

Between Science World and the elevated tracks, one could sneak a peak of the mountains while gazing north. We had no intentions of entering the sphere though, and continued southbound along Quebec Street until reaching Earnest Ice Cream.

It was one of three locations in Vancouver (not counting the one in North Van). Orangecane had recounted numerous tales of their scoops to me based on her past visits. But I, being more of a local meanderer and less of an adventurer in this city, had never bothered to go out of my way for ice cream. (Mister doesn't count due to its proximity to Yaletown station.)

​From the chalkboard menu angled towards the street, I caught sight of my first and second choices of Espresso Flake and Whiskey Hazelnut being a pint-only exclusive. Without a freezer in our hotel room, I would forego the alcohol-/caffeine-infused flavours and take inquiries to the sampling station for decision-making.

​Mint (Chocolate) Chip was sampled, both vegan and non-vegan variations. The latter was more to my liking due to irrefutable creaminess. However, the London Fog impressed me the most. It sported a unique tone - darker and dissimilar to the typical London Fog - along with improved depth and robustness without being excessively bitter or overly sugary. It was downright the very best iteration of London Fog I had ever had the pleasure of tasting. The Thai ahgase's Tahitian Vanilla in a cone barely made it outside before a blissful brush of savouring.

The ice cream parlour was in the midst of renovations, with the counter and cashier situated in different parts of the store. While its layout was a tad confusing, service was amicable and accommodating. Customer flow never seemed to cease, yet we were not rushed to sample, remit payment, or take our scoops outdoors for devouring.

​Routing back to Richmond for souvenirs was our last order of business. Truthfully, it was less of a priority for me and more for the Thai ahgase, who would be departing the province first thing the next morning. My shoulders ached from the load on my back, yet I persevered, knowing that this would be her final opportunity for spending.

​Across MEC was a bus stop that would take us to Olympic Village station. There, we would transfer to Canada Line once again and alight at Aberdeen.

​Crossing the street to Parker Place, I relieved myself of shoulder and neck aches momentarily as the Thai ahgase took to requesting pork and beef jerky from Mai Mei Hong in the food court.

​There was little to explore, and, as such, we strode back to Aberdeen for one last meal together on the West Coast.

Along the way, I encountered nostalgic VHS tapes in the display window (Little Bear!!) and an old friend on the top floor of Aberdeen Centre.

​One more Oomomo run and several stops for cute, exclusive accessories ensued.

​A total of three stops and too many earring purchases later, we navigated towards the food court.

​​The Thai ahgase's trip would terminate where it had commenced.

​The mall was set to shutter soon, so we rapidly perused the available options. Some stalls already had their lights dimmed, and staff departed.

​From Cafe D'Lite Express, I took to a 1/4 Hainan Chicken to pair with leftover salad. A light layer of soy covered the chicken, with cucumber threads positioned underneath. A sprig of cilantro and container of two-toned dipping sauce accompanied my pick. The condiment was spicy, but delicious for those who can tolerate heat.

A Red Bean Ice has also been requested, but emerged inferior to Cattle Café. Large chunks of ice, as opposed to finely crushed fragments, rested atop inadequately sweet bean paste. The beverage was cold and milky, as it should be, but retained minimal red bean essence for contentment.

The Thai ahgase chose fish congee from Lung Kee. She expressed shock at its sizable bowl and scalding temperature, and complained of blandness with no ginger pieces. It was then that she noted Yin Ji Chang Fen in Chinatown as superior

​Just before 8 PM, we set out for home and packing needs.

​As the Thai ahgase gathered her belongings for the flight back to Toronto, I too began to consolidate my luggage for checkout. A stout can of Asahi Dry Zero Free accompanied the process.

​I was amazed at her compaction skills, for her luggage had been full to start. Yet, somehow, more purchases had managed to fit in without exhibiting signs of suitcase strain.

​At around 5 AM the following morning, the Thai ahgase bid a half-awake, cow fleece-clothed being farewell. We promised to meet again once back.