Vancouver is well known for its sushi, and in the last 10 years, we've had an izakaya boom. But as far as I know, our city doesn't yet have a dedicated yakitori-ya—a restaurant that specializes in chicken skewers.

That's about to change. Q Shi Q Japanese BBQ is getting ready to open in mid-September. The 30-seat spot is near the Olympic Village at 159 West 4th Avenue, a block or two from Big Rock Urban Brewery. 

Judging from the online menu, Q Shi Q focuses on pretty much one thing: meat on a stick. The core item is the classic shio (salt) chicken yakitori skewers grilled over charcoal; there are also shio pork and beef skewers.

The other classic yakitori preparation is with a tare (grilling sauce), which Q Shi Q calls its oishii (delicious) sauce. It's made from a blend of green onion, garlic, ginger, mirin, sake, soy, and lemon.

Variations on the skewers include ground chicken balls, Ocean Wise salmon and prawns, mushrooms, and broccoli. There is also a dessert skewer of fire-roasted pineapple.

Beer and sake will also be available.

According to the restaurant's publicist, Q Shi Q is owned by Duane McGaw, who spent over 10 years in Asia. The team includes operations director Matthew Johnson and his Japanese wife, Rie, who is the restaurant’s controller and translator.

The restaurant will be open from lunch through to late night and offer takeout as well. You can follow Q Shi Q on Twitter for updates on the opening date.