tokyo table

After reading some tepid reviews, we went to Tokyo Table with another couple and low expectations. That said, we were very pleasantly surprised.

On La Cienega's Restaurant Row, the space is modern, clean and well decorated. The giant take on mid-cent modern white chandeliers that hang over the large booths and black and white paper barrel shaped lanterns throwing soft light through the room coupled with sexy white leather chairs and booths and natural stone surfaces make for a very appealing interior space. In the short hall that joins the bar, entry and main dining room, are some very nicely done, subtle water features and we also noticed a number of private dining areas for parties and groups.

The bar area was dim lit and inviting, with b/w photos of Japan flanking the walls. The long list of asian inspired vodka cocktails was a refreshing change from the pseudo martini culture that seems to have taken hold elsewhere around town. I found they were more than happy to replace the vodka with shochu to make the sour highballs I fell in love with in Japan. They were so good, the (very down to earth and friendly) bartender actually gave us a couple on the house before we headed off to our table.

The menu reads like asian fusion tapas, so we were expecting small plates of this and that, but by the time the food rolled out we were thankful to be seated at one of the huge round, booth tables. The plates bordered from substantial to large and we ended up with an obscene amount of food. I think we ordered close to half the menu (it certainly looked that way!) and the only thing we weren't thrilled with was their version of shabu shabu and sukiyaki (but to be fair, spending a month in Tokyo will skew your perspective). Everything else was yum and pleased even the pickier palates at the table.

Later on, we discovered the desserts were just as deceptively huge. From the menu photos we expected them to be smallish and good for sharing, so we ordered a few. Wow, we had no idea. Their signature dessert toasts were the size of my head and the four of us barely put a dent in one. The flambe bananas they light at the table were also tasty and huge. The green tea shaved ice was a bit lack luster given the other options, but it was gigantic. They sloshed it into a giant to-go container for me and out of the freezer the next afternoon it was fantastic.

Entertainment was also in abundance - between the barely legal self-proclaimed "OC girls" toddling around in long tops they were trying to pass off as dresses (no shit, they were walking around in barely hip length, slit dresses with panties in full view that even had the hot, hollywood hostess laughing out loud) and our server in-training trying to contend with our deliberate drink induced obnox, and our table being lit along with the bananas due to some libation spillage - there was no shortage in laughs.

Bottom line, no, this isn't traditional Japanese or sushi, but it's a beautiful space, with very good fusion fare at reasonable prices, great service and a welcome addition to our restaurant row. We had a great evening here and will definitely be back.

50 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 657-9500

imai sushi & kushi

I've been keeping this neighborhood joint on the dl for a long time now, but I see the word is already out.

The sushi here is reliably fresh and tasty - and the sushi chefs are even better. Add to it the wide variety of kushi (little grilled skewers of this and that they flame grill behind the sushi bar), extensive menu, pleasant service, nice atmosphere, a little bar with some interesting cocktails, (including a new Zipang sparkling sake that gets me in trouble more often than not), generally easy lot parking, reasonable prices and great specials (lunch and happy hour), and you can't go wrong.

For us, it's walking distance, which makes it even better - especially after a few sake cocktails ;)

If you're in the area, this is a relatively unknown place worth checking out.

8300 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(323) 655-2253

Photo courtesy of Robert H.

kiku sushi

Aside from the casual sidewalk seating, Kiku offers a pleasantly surprising comfy and upscale neighborhood environment for moderately priced, fresh, creative sushi.

Time and care has been spent decorating the space to transform it from being another generic box with a sushi bar, and the dim lighting, painted walls, cushy window seats and choice of jazz standards playing (at just the right volume) really enhanced the vibe.

Edamame and miso were brought to the table when we we were seated which is always a nice touch - especially on a cool night after a long day.The amaebi was far from the best I've had, but the menu was full of options with a wide variety of rolls and appetizers - the baked New Zealand mussels were great. All of the rolls we had were a departure from the standards we all expect and delish. One stand out is the fiery Heart Attack - a concoction of spicy tuna, crab meat and cream cheese stuffed into a halved jalapeno and baked open face. If you're in the mood for something light and fresh tasting, ask for the Kiku roll which isn't on the menu anymore - salmon and mango - yum.

From the wall of polaroids depicting regulars (including a handful of recognizable faces), we clearly weren't the only fans. Instead of being tacky, it actually lent itself to the warm, homey feel here. Last time we were here, we sat next to the Mayor. Our server was a sweetheart who confided she was a regular before becoming an employee. You may expect parking to a bear, but aside from being able to find a few open meters, even on a Saturday night, the public lot across the street is a good bet.

If you're in the mood for a relaxed evening and leisurely din in the city, don't overlook this find in quaint Larchmont. The whole street is packed with little known restaurants and shops worth checking out (including a wine shop that imports tons of British choc - woo hoo!) and a nice area to enjoy a walk after dinner.

246 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 464-1200

Photo courtesy of Joan S.

asakuma

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).

Though there is a full service restaurant and dining room, if you're up for sushi, this is one place you'll definitely have a better experience sitting at the sushi bar. The specials menu is a great start, but be sure to ask one of their seasoned chefs for the day's recommendations and go from there.

If you like sake, they have a nice selection and the presentation is great - in large test tubes. If you're in the mood for something on the light side, or dropping in for lunch, try the Seared Ahi Salad. The Seared Bluefin Sushi is one of my personal faves along with their amaebi (sweet shrimp). Make sure you request the heads fried - despite their alien appearance, they're beyond good and you'll earn a little respect for munching down antennae with a beer and some gusto. As for basics, they make a mean Spicy Tuna and the house special, grilled Black Cod is not to be missed.

Tip: They have a special delivery only location on Robertson, east of Wilshire, that's just as good. You can even order online at www.asakuma.com

11701 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 826-0013

wok on fire

Wok on Fire should be on everyone's delivery auto-dial. If you're craving Asian but can't put your finger on what, these are the guys to call.

They do Chinese, sushi and a couple of Thai basics (Pad Thai and Thai Tea) and miraculously manage to do it all well. They're routinely fast, fresh and friendly. No waiting an hour when you're starving after work for mediocre lukewarm food. Even the packaging is well thought out - it's secure, recyclable and reusable. You'll never find hot items in the same bag as the cool items, nor leaky dishes, soaked thru paper containers and spilled drinks.

Rarely can you find delivery sushi that's good, fresh and trustworthy, but they've nailed it. Their special rolls are great and they have an ample list. The yellowtail and halibut sushi along with the shrimp handrolls are also good picks.

If you're in the mood for Chinese, it's all good. Really. If you're in the mood for small plates, their Lettuce Chicken Cups are fantastic as are the Shu Mai, Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings and Crab Rangoon (if you want a little something fried and naughty).

In the mood for soup? Both the Won Ton and the Hot and Sour are simple and perfect.

We've ordered from these guys at least a couple of times a month for the last few years and have yet to get something we didn't love. If you find yourself with something you don't dig, call me and I'll take it off your hands ;)

As for sweets, they've got you covered. Every delivery comes with an obscene number of colorfully foil wrapped, white chocolate dipped fortune cookies.

Tip: There are a few tables inside, but this really is a delivery place. Some of the usuals like the Garlic Sauteed Green Beans, Spicy Eggplant, MaPo Tofu and Fried Rice can be too oily for the diet conscious. Just ask for light oil and they'll be happy to accommodate. Everything is so flavorful, you'll never even miss it.

1447 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 289-5168

Photo courtesy of Kampy