Beverly Hills - Sushi & Kushi IMAI

Sushi AYCE. Yes, All You Can Eat Sushi. Many have offered but none has got me to go back. Ok, except Vegas. That being said, a sushi chef friend told me about Sushi IMAI. Sushi IMAI has been around for more than ten years and only up until recently the owner Imai-san decided to offer various specials -- AYCE sushi brunch on the weekend sure sounded worthy of a shot.

Sushi IMAI has turned the sushi bar into a buffet bar during weekend brunch. The first thing that got my attention was the shabu-shabu section. The CIY sheets of beef can be done in seconds for optimum tenderness and suitable for some hungry patient-less buffet crowds.

Sushi, though limited on its selection, successfully delivered IMAI’s sushi standard with its top-notch freshness and quality. Four pieces of the sweet succulent scallop sushi should get your money worth in no time. For those who wants only sushi, they also offer Omakase “Trust Me” sushi meal during dinner hours where one would pay $35 and get around $60 worth of top quality sushi.

The rest of IMAI’s offerings were above average. I told myself that I was stuffing myself for a good cause: for your viewing pleasure. (and the pleasure was all mine)


For $12 USD, where can you get an AYCE of all the Japanese all time favorites like Sushi, Shabu-Shabu & Tempura in one setting that actually taste good. My only advise: get there early!

Sushi & Kushi IMAI
sushiandkushiimai.com | 8300 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211 | (323)655-2253

Glendale - Palate Food + Wine

Although living in LA and dining out in Glendale is like fishing in a river, Palate has been on my wish list for some time.

We were led to the inner wine bar, a more friendly and lively space with some good selection of bottles, cheeses & books. The wine list was given quickly upon sitting. At the tasting bar, Chef/Principal Octavio Becerra and other executives were personable to everyone. I must admit: this place made me wish I was a drinker.
Below, a bottle of sparking water - 6, Crispini and the white bean soup made of swiss chard, kabocha squash and pumpkin seed oil - 7. The crispy Crispini was brushed with extra virgin oil and seasoned well. The soup unfortunately predominately tasted just beans with very little trace of kabocha and other essence.

braised short ribs / farro / melissa grapes / cavolo nero / cipollini onions / dijon 16 : a heavenly bite for me consists of small chunks of everything in the plate. The melting-in-the-mouth rib paired with the mildly sweet grape and onions will keep you forking nonstop to an empty plate. It’s not a plate for sharing.

branzino / broccoli 2-ways / bagna cauda / pine nuts / breadcrumbs 14 (above) : the fish was seasoned and cooked perfectly. fresh tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Below, chocolate pudding / crème fraîche / fleur de sel - 6 : The sea salt brought out some good sweetness of the treat. It’s indeed a good rich satisfying finish.

Palate has the right ingredients, people, attitude, cooking and drinks. Right after the dessert, I was ready to make a reservation for dinner. It’s a place new comers become regulars.

Palate Food & Wine
933 S Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 - (818) 662-9463
www.palatefoodwine.com | menu

Little Tokyo - Hama Sushi

Hama Sushi is my “sushi-craving-quick-fix” spot. It’s located in the center of Little Tokyo. It’s in my home turf.

It’s usually packed everyday with constant 15-20 minutes wait during dinner hours. While you are waiting, you can’t skip to see a sign, not pictured, saying that they refuse to serve Tempura, Teriyaki or other common Japanese a la carte. They only have two tables while the sushi counter sits about fifteen. Ginger, wasabi and steamy towel are served right away when you sit at the counter.

Below, Salmon Teriyaki (I’m thankful but mystery to me as it should be one of their refuse-to-serve items), the salmon is very juicy and fresh with the right amount of crispy skin every time. The sauce is well balanced with sweet and savory. I also like to order the Miso Soup with Clam. The clam adds that Umami flavor to the plain ol’ miso soup that is good for my heart.

Sushi rice here is mildly sweet and sour. Raw fish are fresh. The combination is very well rounded. Below Sushi Deluxe Set C, at $17, comes with eight pieces of sushi, four California rolls & regular miso soup. (not all pieces pictured, egg sushi sold separately)

At Hama Sushi, adults order hand rolls like fat kids would want to order ice cream cones. It’s been said that one must finish a fresh served hand roll in five seconds to fully enjoy it before the dry crispy Nori becomes soggy and ruin the texture. From the left: Yellowtail, Spicy Salmon & Spicy Yellowtail easy bites, at around $4 each, are never short on demand.

Like any good sushi joints, some nicely carved orange wedges that shows chief’s knife skill are served as the last plate before the bill to refresh.

Hama Sushi is not a place for a surprise. It’s a place you will find consistent fresh raw fish and excellent spicy hand rolls. It’s a place that keeps me going back on a typical day any given time.

Hama Sushi - Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA
www.yelp.com/biz/hama-sushi-los-angeles | 347 E 2nd St Los Angeles, CA 90012 | (213) 680-3454

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