ining out at Gastropod—the newest hotspot on the ultra trendy 4th Ave drag—is a lesson in innovation. Though it sticks out on the strip like a new appendage, it has made a killer first impression in Kits. The sleek and stylish eatery, despite its non-conformity, has a mainstream feel. Eating here is a feast for your eyes and a luxury for your mouth.

Let's consider the sluggish name of this new go-to and, in that, the feeding habits of a gastropod (pretty much any species that produces a sea shell): they're extremely varied: some graze, some browse, some feed on plankton, a few are scavengers and other are active carnivores (you're welcome, sincerely, Jacques Cousteau). Hmph: sounds like a pretty decent clientele.

There's something stylishly European about the city's latest openings, but Gastropod puts many of its competitors to shame with its overall flare and good looks. The small space is sleek and minimalist, without feeling empty or abandoned; the non-traditional, bright yellow and white lights, accompanied by light woods, are subtle and don't overwhelm. The framed art-inspired window paneling fronting the eatery coincides with the Gastropod concept, giving patrons an intimate fish-tank view.

Conforming to Vancouver's latest trend and mirroring the now-common, new world French aesthetic, Gastropod crams tables together. While some diners complain about their close proximity to their neighbours, their more formal counterparts understand the less-is-more/more-is-less ideal and embrace the concept…and their neighbours; maybe they can share (?).

Eating at Gastropod is not nearly as intimidating as one might expect from the haute design. Sure, the food has the apropos (i.e. French) ring to it expected from a froofy/classy place like Gastropod; however, the taste is second to none. The menu boasts marine life flavours, with Salmon a la Gastropod, Slow Cooked Ling Cod, and a Tune Mille Feuille appetizer, all prepared with culinary wizardry.