To cut to the chase, yes, the sushi is better than Q, better than any pure-play sushi place in LA. Yasu san ages his fish like the best dry aged beef. The flavor and texture is remarkable. He has managed to tone down the less desirable “fishy” notes while honing in on the ideal flavors … Continue reading The Best Sushi in LA is at a 6 person Sushi Bar You Never Heard Of: I-Naba in Manhattan Beach
Kanazawa Private Kaga Kaiseki Cooking Class April 3, 2018
The most memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience in Kanazawa was a private cooking class I did with a retired Kaiseki chef from a 2 Star Michelin. Moe and Chikako, delightful smart women who run Cooking Studio in Kanazawa, arranged for the instructor and facilitated setting up the the private class in their school. https://www.cookingkanazawa.com They also kindly … Continue reading Kanazawa Private Kaga Kaiseki Cooking Class April 3, 2018
Inn Ann (Japan House) “Modern Kaiseki”
Inn Ann is the latest project of Japan House, located in Hollywood and Highland of all places. Japan House was created by Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a way to teach foreigners about Japanese culture "by showcasing the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, technology, and more." From their website: Staying true … Continue reading Inn Ann (Japan House) “Modern Kaiseki”
Hayato Restaurant; Exciting New Kaiseki in DTLA
Scot and I were lucky to score very hard to get reservations at Hayato. Up until recently he has only been making (very elaborate and exclusive) bento boxes for lunch. Now he has expanded into a beautiful restaurant serving no more than seven a night - one seating. (Tatami for 6 coming soon.) Chef Brandon … Continue reading Hayato Restaurant; Exciting New Kaiseki in DTLA
Kanazawa, Japan – April 2018
Few American foodies who travel to Japan make it out to Ishikawa Prefecture. Kanazawa is often compared to Kyoto but like other parts of Japan I found it to be completely unique. We went there for two primary reasons - Sakura (cherry blossom peak season) and for a Foodie Pilgrimage. We love the way each … Continue reading Kanazawa, Japan – April 2018
Touring Wajima in the Noto Peninsula
Went on an amazing foodie-driven tour of Wajima in the Noto Peninsula. The Noto Peninsula is a rural, beautiful, unspoiled landscape of natural wonders and unique and special food. Our amazing guide Mika took us to see the Wajima fish market for sashimi breakfast. True to the reputation, it was completely "manned" by women. The … Continue reading Touring Wajima in the Noto Peninsula
Yumeri Izakaya – Kanazawa, Japan
April 2018 Our last dinner in Japan was the most challenging. I had chosen an Izakaya that was a difficult reservation; 2 months notice and I had to agree in writing I could speak Japanese as no English would be spoken. I hoped that by the end of our trip I would have practiced enough … Continue reading Yumeri Izakaya – Kanazawa, Japan
Yamashita Izakaya – Kanazawa, Japan
April 2018 Some of our favorite nights in Japan are the ones where we go into tiny little mom and pop restaurants , sit at the counter, and chat with the chef and customers. This was one of those nights. Yamashita -san (izakaya named for him) besides preparing us amazing food , was engaging and … Continue reading Yamashita Izakaya – Kanazawa, Japan
Sekitei – Shabu Shabu in Kanazawa, Japan
April 2018 Sekitei is traditional and local; it is the restaurant to seek out for an authentic evening of peace and delicious food. When Kanazawa is compared to Kyoto, this restaurant comes to mind. We enjoyed our Shabu Shabu Kaiseki dinner in a private room and our server did our swish-swishing for us... More on … Continue reading Sekitei – Shabu Shabu in Kanazawa, Japan
Shoubou_Shoujou, Special Izakaya in Kanazawa, Japan
April, 2018 Shubou Shoujou Shoubou/Shojou (Translates both ways) First night in Kanazawa. Had reservations at a special Izakaya where we had to preorder the sashimi platter. Got to hang out with the owner /chef and his wife and eat lots of tasty local food. Highlights included local ama ebi (Sweet shrimp) , but the variety … Continue reading Shoubou_Shoujou, Special Izakaya in Kanazawa, Japan
Shibumi: Does it Live up to the Hype?
I was apprehensive. Lots of great reviews, yes, but the majority of Los Angeles Japanese Restaurants that get great reviews tend to be very pretty but with bad personalities. And this one was run by a Gaijin. Although...David Schlosser did study in Japan for 15 years. David Schlosser's experience includes great LA restaurants, but he … Continue reading Shibumi: Does it Live up to the Hype?
Jimbocho Den- Easily the best meal we had in Tokyo
Ever since Den was named one of the top 50 restaurants in the world (and one or two Michelin stars depending on timing) it became an impossible reservation to come by. I tried Amex, the hotel, etc and was told they had a rigid policy of requiring guests to call directly. I had also read … Continue reading Jimbocho Den- Easily the best meal we had in Tokyo
Saam – Cutting Edge Molecular Gastronomy in Los Angeles
Saam is a restaurant inside a restaurant, nestled in the deep recesses of Bazaar in the SLS Hotel. Very prestigious, exclusive, and unique, I thought this Molecular Gastronomy extravaganza would make the perfect venue for my birthday. Six of us went to enjoy the 25+ course tasting menu along with the "Jose's Experience" wine pairing, … Continue reading Saam – Cutting Edge Molecular Gastronomy in Los Angeles
Foodie Blogger Documentary That Gives Us All A Bad Name
It was from 2014, but I finally got around to watching "Foodies: The Culinary Jet Set" on Netflix. It told the story of the influential subculture of elite foodie bloggers by honing in on the backstories of six very diverse bloggers from different parts of the world. What struck me as I watched the interviews … Continue reading Foodie Blogger Documentary That Gives Us All A Bad Name
Osechi Ryori at Shunji, Los Angeles, CA
Michelin-Rated But LA Discontinued Michelin Stars Jan 1st 2016: We had the most amazing dinner at Shunji -Japanese Cuisine-. Incredible Osechi Ryori New Year's Day extravaganza and wonderful people made for a truly remarkable and memorable evening. Yes, that is Yama-San at the next table. Scot came to the rescue when he needed an old … Continue reading Osechi Ryori at Shunji, Los Angeles, CA
Yamakase – Over the Top Sushi Experience by Ex-Hump Chef, Los Angeles, CA
March 03, 2015 Over-the-Top Omakase dinner at Yamakase, the very exclusive sushi restaurant that required me to write a letter just to get a reservation. One seating, 9 people. The dinner was about 4 hours, a food marathon of over 24 courses. Yamakase is considered a Urasawa knockoff, and I can see why. Every ingredient … Continue reading Yamakase – Over the Top Sushi Experience by Ex-Hump Chef, Los Angeles, CA
Xian Wei, San Pedro, California
November 15th, 2014 Should be Michelin Rated. Someday. Amazing popup- Xian Wei. Chinese Food in high style. Super creative and special. Young Chef Luther Chen is a remarkable talent that is going places. Do not miss!
Maude: 2 Dinners. Tomato and White Truffle, Los Angeles, CA
Like a Michelin, but not a Michelin September and November 2014 ..And then there's Maude. We are very excited to have a restaurant like this in LA, finally! The staff are truly professional, and many of them have cute Australian accents - I assume Curtis must have hand-picked them. The whole feel of the place … Continue reading Maude: 2 Dinners. Tomato and White Truffle, Los Angeles, CA
Corazon de Tierra, Ensenada, Mexico
Top 50 Restaurants in the World, but no Michelin Star Friday, September 5, 2014 Remarkable foodie pilgrimage in the middle of the Guadalupe Valley. Completely local and sustainable and delicious! Amazing 8 course lunch, very worth it. Inspired, creative cuisine all locally sourced. Beautiful restaurant, great service.
Nihon Ryori Ryugin, Tokyo, Japan
3 Star Michelin June 1st, 2014 Nihon Ryori Ryugin - 3 star Michelin, #33 on top 50 restaurants in the world. Finally, I am happy to report that this time, I agree. 🙂 This was definitely by far our best meal of the trip. In common with the other Kaiseki dinners we had, their approach … Continue reading Nihon Ryori Ryugin, Tokyo, Japan
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