A couple years ago, Umami hit the Vancouver restaurant scene and changed this city forever. The idea of creating an Izakaya for mainstream consumption in Downtown Vancouver hadn’t been done before with such elegance and style.

Today, you have a myriad of choices, Shiru Bay in Yaletown, Kingyo and Zakkushi on Denman, the Guu restaurants on Robson, Thurlow and Water Street, Alpha on Richards, which are a notable few.

Umami definitely stood out on it’s own, combining inventive Izakaya-style fusion cuisine and look of a Napa Valley-inspired wine bar.

In 2005, Umami’s chef, Hiro Shintaku, left to take on other endeavours (he’s recently resurfaced at Kingyo). Umami changed their name to Kei’s. The restaurant retained most of the original menu including the world-famous Unagi on daikon in a dashi broth, topped with foie gras. Also, the bar kept it’s strong focus on being a wine bar, having some great wine (and champagne) accessible to all by-the-glass.

Yesterday during my visit (I needed a champagne fix), I was informed that they are not moving forward in 2007 and December 30th, 2006 was their last day.

I look forward to seeing what becomes of the space. Cheers!

A photo from Umami, taken September, 2005.

Good bye Kei’s thanks for all the great food, and marvelous Champagne and the use of your pomponnes!

See all photos tagged Kei’s in my Flickrspace, HERE.