Roll Playing
APRIL 8TH, 2011Roll PlayingWhen out-of-towners visit, you're the first to tell them the best places to stay, shop and play. But when they ask you for a downtown upscale sushi spot, you're left more stumped than a fanny-pack wearing tourist. Put down the Zagat and head to Hapa Umi, grown-up sibling to the fantastic Hapa Izakaya restaurants. Decidedly adult in both look and feel (think dark wood decor and large lounge area), the Japanese menu is both fresh and inventive. We stopped in for lunch and tried the featured bento box (grilled lamb, homemade potato salad, crab sunomono, beef tataki and vegetable roll) served with miso soup and rice with mixed mushrooms ($19). We meticulously made our way through each compartment and left nary a grain of rice behind. 'Cause that's how we roll. —MT Hapa Umi, 110-909 W. Cordova St., Vancouver, 604-420-4272, www.hapaumi.com |