Irasshaimase

Cuisine: Seafood The Down Low:  All the boat decorations almost make you feel sea sick after sitting through a big meal. Although it’s more likely the lobster poutine and beers will be to blame, as opposed to the décor. Favorite Dish:  New England Clam Chowder on the West Coast Music Pairing: Alpha 9 in Miami for a State of Trance   Walking into Rodney’s is like walking into a rustic, seaside bed and breakfast. The old lady running the B&B was a decorator in the city before retiring to the coastal village. A lot of thought has gone into making the place 'authentic.' She loves the sea and especially the sea-men. "Wait, what?" That's right, let's address the whale in the room. There are sexual undertones dotting the place. You'd really have to like oysters to confidently wear this shirt in public ...and now I am sexualizing a perfectly normal oyster shucking picture. The old lady at the B&B has me in her trap. Watch ou...

Cuisine: Afghan, in case it wasn't obvious The Down Low:  The ambiance of the place is more memorable than the food, but considering how awesome the place is decorated, the chef has tough competition from the interior tent designer for "Horseman of the Year" Favorite Dish: If the dish-looking battle shield doesn't count, then I'd have to say the lamb shoulder takes my second vote. Music Pairing: Jason Ross Live In Amsterdam   It will make you want to belly dance on the floor cushions. From a distance it's easy to mistake it for a massage parlor Unfortunately I do not associate many good things with Afghanistan. I have never had Afghan friends, and the little I do know of the country comes from news coverage on war and refugees. So when some friends in Vancouver suggested Afghan food, I was keen to check it out. One thing I know that can bring the world together is a shared appreciation of good food and music. Now when you walk into the Afgh...

Cuisine:  Japanese The Down Low:  Sit at the sushi bar and order something with their homemade miku sauce Favorite Dish: The Champagne (Roll) deserves to be carried out like bottle service at a club in Vegas Music Pairing: As a rock band from Tennessee, the Kings of Leon are an unusual pairing for a Japanese joint, but considering how much I love both KOL and Minami, I am going to make the pairing work. Here is their "new" album Walls Minami was the original inspiration for my food blog, and where I adopted the name Irasshaimase.  The restaurant has a special place in my heart...and my stomach. I live next door, so I go almost every week. It's a problem. But it's a problem I enjoy having.  In the spirit of sharing, some other "Minami problems" that I have, include: Loving the Champagne, Salmon Oshi and Ebi (prawn) Oshi sushi rolls so much that I have explored little else on the menu. Very unlike me to be so close-minded, especially whe...