Mark Brand is at it again. After his first successful business foray into the long-neglected and historic neighborhood of Gastown in 2007 with Boneta on 1 West Cordova, now a well-loved dining fixture of the community, and his popular prohibition-style cocktail bar and Asian small-plates follow-up, The Diamond, further solidifying his noble mission of cultural transformer, Mr. Brand continues to help spearhead a food and drink renaissance that in a few short years will reveal not only a neighborhood reborn with a confident new identity, but will also act as a successful model of development for others to envy and emulate.
Mark’s latest venture is called, Sea Monstr Sushi, and it has an astute plan to ‘destroy your hunger’. Hunger for traditional top-quality sushi that is. With Gastown’s continued re-population with the opening of the Woodward’s building last November and more condo projects starting to come online in the area, Sea Monstr Sushi, slated to open in September of this year, will very likely hit the ground running.
^ Sea Monstr Sushi crew: (right to left) proprietor Mark Brand, Executive Chef Keith Allison, and Sushi Chef Shori Imanishi
The 1700 square foot space will have 25-30 seats with 12 prime spots at the sushi bar which will be overseen by sushi chef, Shori Imanishi, formerly of Kakurenbou, and Executive Chef Keith Allison, formerly of Dan Japanese Restaurant and Bar in Kitsilano. The decor is being overseen by Hector Gil-Leyva and has a tremendous level of detail that has Mark very excited. “I have put a lot effort into getting the place just right. I love sushi. It’s going to be sweet. I can’t wait!” he exclaims.
The menu will focus on the the best fresh seasonal products available and will be Oceanwise certified. There will be Sapporo on tap to start with some local craft beers on the horizon and a fine selection of premium sake. No cocktails will be offered.
Sea Monstr plans to be open 7 days a week from 11 am – 10 pm (staying open til 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays).
^ The Sea Monstr's lair: 55 Powell Street in Gastown
Sea Monstr Sushi
55 Powell Street | Vancouver
www.seamonstrsushi.com
~ PK
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Did you actually write this PK? Not that I am accusing but….it’s just that it looks like a press release? And it’s so different from your usual postings? So either you are doing PR for Mark Brand et al or this should have been posted under your incoming PR banner. Just sayin’
Yes I wrote it, Cam. Every word. Do you have a bone to pick with me or Mark? Not that I am accusing…just sayin’
No bones at all, can’t say I even know the guy. Geez, can’t a guy just make an observation without it being construed as personal in some way. Just saying it looks like a PR piece, which usually falls under a separate banner, often quite amusing, and this piece is so many miles away from your usual comments that it stands out. Simply an observation, no bones. I actually thought you would have removed my comment so good on you.
No worries, Cam. Thanks for reading.
menu shopping @ miku?
It was my suggestion to go for sushi because I wanted to get a picture.
Believe me, these guys have enough experience and knowledge to come up with a menu all by themselves.