Flash + Fire + Fish = MIKU.

Back in “the day”, you really had to hunt to find a copy of a restaurant’s menu. But with the advent and proliferation of online marketing, blogs, review boards and foodie sites, diners can now preview the menu as well as the team, the concept and the space.

In fact, sneak peaks of everything except food and service can be had without leaving the house and actually stepping foot in the establishment. Thus, preconceived ideas are born, which can only mean that expectations run high. And, my very high expectations of Miku preceded my visit. In keeping with the neighborhood, the space Miku occupies on the main floor of the Guinness Tower at 1055 West Hastings Street, features:

• clean lines
• artful and interesting architectural and design features (check out the roof ‘cloud’s)
• and lots of glass and greenery that bring the outside, in.

But restaurants can not survive on looks alone. Miku specializes in Aburi-style sushi:

• (def’n) the fish is lightly seared with flames (giving it a slight charcoal grill and smokey flavor) and infused with French-style sauces.

As a raw-sushi purist it’s taken me several visits to fully appreciate Aburi-style sushi, and with each visit I become more enamored with the flavor. But diners are wary of new concept dining; a new spin on an old classic is easier to sell when it’s part of a strong tri-fecta package:

• the right atmosphere +
• fresh, delectable and tasty food +
• friendly, professional service.

So, onto service. Perhaps because the concept, the design, and the food overshadow the service, it would seem service plays such a small part in the entire Miku dining experience that it doesn’t warrant much more than:

• efficient
• professional

Not exactly warm, jovial and inviting. Yet lately, a couple of mis-fires notwithstanding (poor recommendation and execution of a classic libation), the service has been:

• friendly
• genuine and engaging.

From the General Manager stopping to converse with diners, to smiling servers radiating friendly team rapport, there is now a ‘face to Miku’ beyond the cold walls of glass. Whether this change in temperament can be traced to a team finding its groove and a restaurant its personality, or the recognition and acknowledgment of a familiar diner, I’ll let you decide. Just be sure to look beyond:

• the flash +
• fire  +
• fish (Ocean-Wise approved)

For MIKU.

~ kath