Eat This Week: New à la Carte Menu Items From Minami

We’re showcasing Vancouver’s best restaurants and special menu items—and why they should be your next meal

Restaurant: Minami

Location: 1118 Mainland Street, Vancouver

The Dish: New à la carte menu items

The Details: If you’ve ever dined at Minami in Yaletown, you’ll know there are some classic dishes you’ll want to order every time. Namely, the aburi oshi sushi, a pressed sushi (citrusy ebi, spicy salmon or miso mackerel) that is is flamed-seared to elevate the flavour of the fish.

But this season, there are some innovative new offerings on Minami’s à la carte menu you’ll want to add to your must-order list. Highlights include a Butternut Squash Oshi with aioli and shiso (pictured above), which was created with vegetarians in mind (but don’t let that stop you if you’re a fish-eater—this is delicious!). On the appetizer front, try the generously portioned Kombu Cured Humboldt Squid with yuzu aioli and tsukemono (pictured below).For entrées, uni-lovers will enjoy the Mentaiko Udon with tiger prawns, nori butter, Grana Padano and, of course, uni. But if you’re really looking to indulge, get the wonderfully decadent AAA Sterling Silver Sake Braised 14-oz Short Rib with nori crumble, sweet soy reduction, butternut squash, ponsu-pickeled Napa cabbage and sweet soy-braised shiitake (pictured below).And always save room for dessert at Minami, as their pastries are exceptional. The newest treat, the Aburi Cheese Tart (pictured below), is a take on a cheese plate and features caramelized apples, Riesling cream, honey tuile, zephyr caramel snow and vanilla fig jam ice cream. Wash it all down with a flight of sake, then start planning your next reservation.Minami is open daily for lunch service from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; for happy hour on Tuesday to Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and for dinner service on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.