Dine Fine - [CLOSED] HAPA UMI - DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

Hapa Izakaya has a popular ring to Vancouverites all over town. Hapa Umi to my surprise, isn't as popular. Hapa Umi is the more upscale version of Izakaya with a twist of class and elegance. I seriously caught the late train. I didn't realize Hapa Umi closed down last month until I went to back for another plate of beef tataki. Nonetheless, I had pictures saved on my laptop, I felt a need to honour this loss love of mine. 

Hapa Umi is now replaced with Hapa Izakaya Coal Harbour. Unfortunately I didn't go in because I didnt have a reservation and I decided to choose another restaurant. It was said in their news release that customers "felt there was a greater, unmet demand for an izakaya style restaurant in the Coal Harbour area". In essence, the spirit of the Hapa chain is still there, but I think the higher class of Hapa Umi's spirit has transformed into a more approachable environment, striving for an authenticity vibe straight off the streets of Tokyo.

I have been here many times, each time without reservation, as Hapa Umi is consistently my "heat of the moment I am craving Japanese food" restaurant. Hapa Umi seems to be a sold out show all the time, believe it or not, I have never sat at the dining room. Each time I come last minute, I have been seated at the lounge. Which is not a big deal to me, there are higher couches and stools in a slightly darker section of the diner, serving the same menu. I need only to be happy to have a seat to enjoy the food. I much enjoyed Umi to Izakaya because I preferred a professional ambiance than a party mood. But now that Umi has shifted to an Izakaya, the food is cheaper and more diverse... I can't complain!

Dine Fine: BLUE WATER CAFE + RAW BAR - YALETOWN VANCOUVER

I used to live in Yaletown, and to me Hamilton Street would always be my favourite "dress up in stilettos and accessorize with martinis and margaritas" place. I love the people, love the mood, love the atmosphere, it's no surprise Yaletown is the Posh of Vancouver.

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar is perhaps the most well-known restaurant on the strip, and surprisingly it was my first time here at this restaurant. The 4 $ sign rating on UrbanSpoon and Dinehere may seem intimidating at first; but when I walked into the restaurant and was welcomed with a warm smile from our server, I knew it was going to be well worth the money.

Mr. F and I ordered:

1 Dozen Fresh Oysters - Kusshi, Komo Gway, Little Wing, Gorge, Reed Island, Caraquet (2 each)

Sashimi Platter

Dungeness Crab Sushi Roll - fresh crab meat and avocado in a egg roll

Lobster Sushi Roll - mango and fresh lobster salad in an omelet crepe

Raspberry Creme Brulee - fennell, balsamic yogurt gelato, raspberry blackberry salsa
Menu found here

AMBIANCE | I loved our server. I was talking to Mr. F about how many chain restaurants only care to hire attractive, generic servers, with their eye only on the tip. This middle aged gentlemen, sincere apologies for forgetting his name, is one of the most attentive servers I have ever encountered. He smoothly remembers and recommends various wine pairings with each dish and notes precisely when you finish each course, offering tactful and sincere service. Yes, some may call this basic and expected (given the cost of the meal), but it's always nice to appreciate genuine care.


Inside the "cafe", (oh please, for the love of God, a "cafe" is such an understatement) the atmosphere is so lively and warm at the same time - a combination of chic formality and casual cool comfort. You can tell everyone is enjoying themselves after a few glasses of wine... oh ya, I was one of them.
Nonetheless, the restaurant is divided into 4 sections: Raw bar, semi- open kitchen, main dining room and a private-booking segregated room. Decorated with a wooden theme, antique lamps set on pillars and a showcase of wine on all sides the walls. Classy and chic.

FOOD | Three words: "fresh", "intricate", "complimentary". 
Fresh: Seafood is always expected to be fresh, and it is certainly no disappointment here at Blue Water Cafe.  There is really  no elaboration needed. Come expecting good quality.
Intricate: I'm sure you can tell from the pictures, "delicacy" and "intricacy" are basic words that merely begin to describe the dishes. Each sashimi piece is sliced to an angle maximizing its fresh taste; each sushi is wrapped neatly, equally the same size, same proportion.
Complimentary: I call this word a synonym  for "heart". I feel as if each ingredient  was specifically added to each dish to enhance not only the flavour but the freshness as well. Thoughtful wine pairings with each dish, in-house sauces for the raw oysters, thin slices of lemon for particular sashimis, egg crepes around the sushi, yogurt gelato for the creme brulee etc... Each small addition to the plate is not only a delight to the mouth, but a delight to all senses. 

Would I try Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar again? Absolutely. The same dishes? Probably not. These dishes were amazing, but I'm sure Blue Water's close to 10 page menu will have me mouthwatering over something new every time - and that is exactly why Blue Water Cafe is such a successful restaurant.

1095 Hamilton St
Vancouver, BC (604) 688-8078 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (604) 688-8078      end_of_the_skype_highlighting