The new year is bringing a bit of a change-up for one Vancouver sushi business, as they move into 2022 by ditching the fish and ruling out booze.
Cofu Pressed Sushi, which has operated as a take-out spot near the entrance to Granville Island since fall 2021, has retooled its concept to now offer a solely plant-based menu and what they're calling a "sober bar" - as in a non-alcoholic drinks program.
Located at 1833 Anderson Street, Cofu started out offering an easily customized mix-and-match pressed sushi experience, melding traditional Japanese preparation of fish, meat, and veggies on rice with French-inspired sauces.
Cofu's co-founder, Akiko Otsuka, says the business began in response to demand for take-out meals during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to offer not only something different but also something both healthy and visually appealing - and not typically seen in Vancouver. According to Cofu's Instagram stories, the business is co-owned by Sora Takayama, who co-founded Vancouver's popular Vegan Pudding & Co with his wife, Hiro.
While vegan (and gluten-free) options were always available at Cofu, the business is now shifting entirely into the plant-based realm and will re-launch as a "plant-based pressed sushi store and sober bar" on January 8.
Cofu's online menu now shows only veggie options, like pressed sushi featuring toppings like eggplant with miso soy mayo or marinated radish and raspberry. Sauces for dipping include options such as "wild carrot," "orange mustard," or "vivid beets," along with about a half-dozen other vegetarian or vegan options.
The restaurant has removed its previous Instagram posts and is beginning anew this month; even the photo of their Aburi-style "salmon" is actually showcasing Cofu's plant-based alternative to the popular dish.
Follow @cofu20 on Instagram for more updates about the new venture for Cofu.
