hen the Shangri-La Hotel opens in Vancouver at West Georgia and Thurlow (scheduled for 2009), hotel guests and locals are sure to be hungry for some high-end dining. And we’ve just discovered what they’ll be eating. Restaurant Mogul, David Aisenstat, owner of the Keg Restaurant Group, Hy’s, Gotham and the recently opened Shore Club, will fill the space with the second location of the Japanese Restaurant he currently owns in Toronto – Ki.

Does Vancouver really need another Japanese restaurant?

Ki is a billed as a “modern Japanese restaurant” - it serves both sushi and some izakaya-like cooked elements. The Vancouver location, however, will sport a much different look than its Toronto sister. And with Elaine Thorsell, who is just did the Shore Club, in charge of the design, the room is sure to be stunning. They’re currently scouting for a chef over in Japan and are aiming to open late fall. Look forward to a 100-seat patio that’ll be partially open year round.

I’m betting if Aisenstat’s in charge, this won’t be any regular sushi joint. Perhaps Tojo will finally have some competition.