HouseVariety: Guu Izakaya Restaurant Interior : By Dialogue 38

Toronto, ON, Canada
Dialogue 38
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong

Photo © Courtesy of Dialogue 38 & Guu Izakaya Restaurant

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HISTORY + BACKGROUND
GUU is the Vancouver inception of an authentic Japanese izakaya (aka: pub) and has generated a loyal following. This drinking establishment serves traditional and fusion food to rowdy crowds, from university students to office workers and the ‘in-the-know’ Vancouver expats.

Photo © Courtesy of Dialogue 38 & Guu Izakaya Restaurant

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SITE + LOCATION
Sitting at the abrasive intersection of Church and Gerrard, GUU makes its much anticipated Toronto debut, nestling itself innoculously among the streetscape though exuding its refined personality and style. The smooth platinum gray slate storefront with contrasting heavy weathered wooden door sits prominently, yet ever so modestly, to block out the overlooked strip mall in which it occupies. The windows are minimized to limit the exposure of the garish exterior surroundings.

Photo © Courtesy of Dialogue 38 & Guu Izakaya Restaurant

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INTERIOR DESIGN
The small and intimate space is intended as an informal eatery. Seating spaces are tight and informal, the bumping of elbows is not uncommon, nor are the conversations between strangers in this watering hole. Communal tables and benches stimulate interaction and bar seats offer front row action of the entertaining chefs in the bustling open kitchen.

Photo © Courtesy of Dialogue 38 & Guu Izakaya Restaurant

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This unique exposed kitchen concept and layout works fluidly with the unusual GUU experience where the chef and staff joyously and exuberantly greet every single person entering and exiting the establishment constantly as the afternoon spills into the late nights, to maintain a perpetual energy infused atmosphere.

Photo © Courtesy of Dialogue 38 & Guu Izakaya Restaurant

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Maintaining the informality and dimly lit space are an assortment of exposed bulbs hanging at various heights. In addition, there are custom creations of refurnished materials and compliment the reclaimed barn board that is used throughout the space. The exhausting activity within the space is contrastly striking to the overall interior as it has been formulated around the simple clean lines of traditional Japanese design. In addition, the juxtaposition of raw and new materials creates a modern twist on the zen interiors.

Photo © Courtesy of Dialogue 38 & Guu Izakaya Restaurant

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The simple platinum slate tiles are organized in a grid like manor, with varying protrusions to create texture and shadow. A continuous wall-to-ceiling structure of reclaimed wood wraps one end of the venue to designate a quaint area for those who seek a mild sense of privy. For smaller intimate tables, the establishment offers a platform niche along the only bank of windows of the space revealing a quiet residential treelined street.

Photo © Courtesy of Dialogue 38 & Guu Izakaya Restaurant

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Since it’s opening, the reviews of the food and atmosphere have garnered accolades among the press and food fanatics alike. While the neighbourhood has been revived with the addition of this streetscape gem as lively and hungry individuals flock outside all evening, anxious to calm their cravings.