ust what Vancouver needs, another sushi joint. In Applause’s defense though, at least they closed one down before they opened up. In the spot where Japone used to be, Applause has risen looking much the same. The open concept with scattered black curtains providing a semblance of privacy among the tables along the wall looks just the same with a new name. What is new is the menu.

Applause is an Izakaya restaurant. Izakaya is a new kind of Japanese cuisine that has guests ordering many small taster plates rather than one big main. Considering the enormity of Applause’s menu the forced diversity is a good thing. Otherwise it might take a lifetime to make a dent in the dictionary-sized card.

Edamame and pork dumplings, sashimi, nigiri, maki and noodle dishes are available in abundance, but you’ve seen it all before. The quality that makes Applause stand out is the robata bar. Robata bars are a staple of Izakaya cuisine. The bar is situated smack dab in the middle of the restaurant with a small grill in the centre that dishes out tasty grilled treats to the surrounding patrons seated on bar stools. Everything that comes off of the robata grill is mouth watering, but start off with the B.B.Q. salmon cheek ($4.95) and the black cod with miso sauce ($8.50) to get your palette wet.

Applause does take-out and delivery, even on large party scales, so next time you plan on a rental movie night in ring up Applause and tuck into some robata grilled delights. And, please, mind your manners and save your applause for the end of the program. Ok, go. –J.T.