oshi's is one of the few Japanese restaurants in Vancouver that actually has Japanese chefs who were trained abroad and who brought authentic traditional Japanese recipes across the ocean to the West. It was Executive Chef Yoshinobu Kobayashi' s vision to bring Japanese food to Vancouver and integrate aspects of east and west. He has done just this in his choice of ingredients which are twice weekly shipped in from Japan and hand-picked daily from the local Vancouver markets. And, sometimes, during the proper times of year, Yoshi even picks crops from his own garden to bring to the restaurant.

While training in Japan, Yashi became a master at cooking the traditional meal called Kaiseki. It is a nine course meal that evokes mountains, the sea and open fields symbolically throughout the meal. Kaiseki was first a 16th century monkish tea ceremony, but Yoshi has perfected it into a cuisine on its own terms. The nine course change with the season. They are perfected by the chef to reflect the surrounding environment and the fish, meats, fruits and vegetables that are in season. This experience makes for the perfect dining experience whether you attend Yoshi's in Winter, Fall, Summer or Spring.

Other items that are regularly on the menu and favorites among regulars are the Roasted Duck Breast (market price) and the home-made buckwheat noodles ($7-$10).

The seating area is located on the second floor and the view is a breath of fresh air. Every window provides a panoramic view of either the harbour or Stanley Park. The decor is navy, black and grey and contemporary in nature.

Yoshi's serves up the real deal. It's perfect for those of you wondering what authentic Japanese food tastes like and what all those other "Japanese" restaurants have been serving you. Try Yoshi's, if only to set a your standards high. -J.T.