I may have to start a yelp list for middle-aged hipsters or at least hipsterish places that are worth the effort for folks who neither have to see nor be seen. Tonight, I stumbled into a place that is far too hip for me and I found the experience delightful.. Guu means the sound of your growling stomach, says my server. I thought perhaps it meant extremely hard to find in a sketchy neighbourhood. Even when standing in front of the restaurant, I had to ask someone to show me where the door was located (Encased in plastic sheeting)
Inside, the place is instant energy. Every staff member shouts a greeting in Japanese to every arriving and departing guest. Silly? Sure, but try not to smile. Guu serves Japanese snacks - really tasty, really well prepared. The scallop sashimi I at was worthy of any upscale sushi restaurant - delicate and complex. The deep fried squid balls would be the envy of any Super Bowl party.
Seated at the bar the kitchen staff operates in choreography but it is break dance, not ballet. Cooks all line up for high fives when I compliment the womderfulness of the food.
A few notes... I visited at 10 pm on a Wednesday . It is as lively and crowded as I can manage. Other yelpers say the waits at peak times are fierce.
The street numbers are messed up. It's at least a block south of where it should be and not really on Church but on the cross street. Look for the little house beside the Indian Take-out place.