I love meat, I love fire and I love Gyu Kaku. Indeed, it's one of the few neighborhood places Beer and I both agree on and never seem to grow tired of.
This has become a favorite because it's reliable across the board - the food is always good, the service is friendly and efficient, the location is great, there's enough variety to satisfy virtually any craving, the valet isn't absurdly priced (sometimes you even get lucky and score a street spot), they treat their regulars well (meaning, they'll find you a table with a smile no matter how crazy it may be), you can work around any diet you may be on, or you can FEAST without gagging on your wallet in the process, all in a great looking environment. Really, what more can you ask for?
There's something very warm and cozy about the modern, minimalist Japanese interior. Despite being very open - with slatted wood between seating areas, sealed concrete floors and subdued lighting (I love the paper lanterns), and a large communal dining area in the main room - the styling makes every booth, large or small, feel private.
Their house specials like the hirami miso (thin sliced marinated beef), the garlic shrimp, the house salad (inexpensive, big, fresh and tasty), and the bibimba (seasoned hot rice bowls mixed at the table) are always flavorful and fresh. If you want something a little different, try the tongue (thin sliced and perfectly seasoned, it's delish, I swear) or one of the little Japanese sausages (this makes me giggle just typing it, heheh). There's a variety of little foil packed fresh veggies to steam on the grill, all of which are good, but I'd suggest the mushrooms, asparagus and garlic spinach.
Though the style of the cooking is definitely Korean and you will find kimchee making an appearance on the menu, this is distinctly Japanese BBQ.
They've recently added a bunch of new items to the menu, like a lobster tail that was succulent and worth every (reasonably priced) penny. There's also the addition of a list of ramen soup dishes if you're in the mood for something different.
Start your meal off with a Shochu Grapefruit (Korean grain alcohol with fresh grapefruit made at your table - the latest way to get around lack of a liquor license). Ask for the pulp and get your daily serving of fruit in while you get your drink on.
Dessert on the grill is another don't miss. They have fantastic DIY S'Mores to warm the hearts of all, and these amazing bananas you grill in foil and pour, steaming hot, over ice cream. Talk about comfort food. Save a little room and at least split an order.
I was recently saddened to discover there are no more frequent flyer cards (they used to get you free food orders, culminating in a $50 gift certificate when you used them up), and to see our favorite manager, Mai, leave to open their Sherman Oaks location, but, c'est la vie, the show must go on.
I'd recommend this place without reservation, even to those who don't necessarily love Japanese food or bbq. It'll please even the pickiest of groups - from your meat lovin' bf to your vegetarian gf and everyone in between.
This is a fun place for parties. There's a private room behind shoji screens just off the main room. Add a little candlelight, and it's perfect.
Tip: They have GREAT happy hour specials here on food and drinks. Ask about the frequent diner card at the Pico location, where I heard from Mai, they still use them. Check out the restrooms - they have everything you need apres Q, including mouthwash!
163 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 659-5760 Photo courtesy of Joan S.
Even with a recent change of hands, Asakuma is still one of the best places in LA to find great sushi without costing an arm and a leg. Everything is consistently fresh and delish, there's a full bar and easy, inexpensive valet parking (which belies it's upstairs mini-mall location).
