By Drunken Noms
Special to the Post

Gyu-Kaku is a North American chain restaurant that specializes in grill-it-yourself Japanese-style BBQ. We began with the Filet Mignon which came marinated in a light teriyaki-inspired sauce, and followed the suggested grilling time to ensure a pink center. The tender beef had a light chew, and plenty of beef flavour. The charcoal BBQ gave the meat a nice charring which went well with the lightly sweet marinade. We didn’t need the dipping sauces.

I made a huge mistake in ordering the Pork Belly, which came marinated in a shio white soy sauce containing salted sake, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Although the marinade had a nice flavour, the meat itself was lacking. The meat and fat became quite chewy when cooked. I wouldn’t order it again.

We tried the Spicy Pork which was simple but tasty. Marinated in a spicy miso sauce, the tender and slightly fatty pork was perfectly balanced with spicy and sweet. The sesame seeds were lightly toasted and provided a little nuttiness.

We had the Kalbi Short Ribs which came marinated in a mixture of their garlic sauce, white soy sauce, and tare sweet soy sauce, producing a complex marinade full of flavour. The sugar was caramelized around the edges.

We also got the Sukiyaki Beef Bimbimbap. I was impressed by the generous amount of beef, which was thinly sliced, slightly fatty, and tender with a good amount of natural flavour. The rice itself started out wet, but developed a nice crispiness. It was savoury and sweet, with hits of garlic and ginger. A runny egg would have helped improve the dish.

I would return to Gyu-Kaku, but I’d probably go during their happy hour though when all of their dishes are discounted. Service was great, and the food was good.

Gyu-Kaku

Level 1, 201-950

West Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Drunken Noms is composed of two bloggers 'Drunken Master' and 'Food Wench'.  – www.drunkennoms.com