Shizen Ya (Fairview): Organic Japanese Food

Shizen Ya is a unique chain of sushi restaurants (they have one location on Hornby and this location on West Broadway). This isn’t your run-of-the-mill sushi joint that pumps out cheap California rolls.

Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts (Hawaii 2017): Mochi Ice Cream Mecca

Anyone who knows us knows that we love mochi ice cream. The first time we tried these were from Lawson Station in Waikiki and then we found that they had lots at Coco Cove too. Well, after our windward beach-hopping tour and hike up to Makapuʻu Lighthouse, we headed to the Mecca of mochi ice cream… Bubbies.

Coco Cove (Hawaii 2016) – Poke and Mochi Ice Cream

Okay, so everyone that’s been to Waikiki knows about ABC Stores… one, maybe two, on every block and chock full of things that most tourists are looking for including sundries and snacks. Well, Coco Cove doesn’t have as many locations (currently 2 in Waikiki) but it’s not just another ABC Store.

Lawson Station (Waikiki 2015) – Mochi Ice Cream

They don’t make convenience stores like Lawson Station in Vancouver.

Sushi Yen – Have you got a yen for sushi?

I’ve mentioned it before, but there are tons of tiny little sushi joints all over the Lower Mainland. Sushi Yen on Sixth St in New West is one such tiny place.

Lawson Station (Moana Surfrider) – Hawaii 2013

Lawson Station has an interesting history.  For instance, from the name, you wouldn’t really expect to find a Japanese convenience store.   Lawson actually has roots in Ohio where it was originally known as Lawson’s Milk Company back in 1939 (that’s probably why their logo has a big milk container on it).