Due to my recent desire to become Japanese (well, sort of) ... I went on another food craze to search out for the best in this cuisine but within a given price range (i.e. one that will allow me to come back often without breaking the bank BUT still makes me eat like royalty). Some research online brought me to Solo on Tuesday (apparently Mr. Chef is there on Tuesday and possibly Wednesday or Monday). To keep this review short and sweet, this restaurant got a permanent set on my Flickr Photostream. In other words, I am going back often so be prepared for more pictures!
The décor isn't posh but the food is excellent. The only complain I had was the rice ... a little bit tasteless but maybe that is intentional to bring out the flavors of the dishes. The miso soup was earthy and the salad was superb (not too tangy and the grated radish gave it the extra oomph). The fish was fresh and I could not stop sucking on the shrimp's head ... it was soooo sweet! The bento box was delicious as well where the sauce was just perfect (I kept trying to pick at the remains - yes, it was that good) and the maki was delicate yet crunchy due to the tempura bits. The tempura was done just right - not too greasy and yet crisp. The BC sea urchin was recommended by the chef (who came out to serve us himself) and it was ... well ... an acquired taste. My guest did not like it but I was letting it melt in my mouth slowly. The service was excellent as well where we were continuously tended to. The dishes and placemat setting were spotless and done in style! LOVE it.
BTW, the wasabi and soya sauce seemed home-made and I quite enjoyed them. It is different but it really pulls the dishes together. It is this sort of obsessive attention to detail that makes a restaurant stand out IMHO. Hell, even I use special Sashimi sauce at home ...