Thursday, June 22, 2023

n/naka@Palms Los Angeles ★★★

Two Michelin Stars Modern Kaiskei. Exceptional & exquisite with every detail in mind. The menu Niki created is like a philosophy journey. It's a gradual step-by-step progress. Everything is balanced and well-connected with perfect portion and variety. Niki Nakyama is very humble and friendly. Pasta is her signature dish; hence, it’s modern kaiseki. Devin, the exceptional sommelier, served our table as well. Knowing that we have been patron of Fifth Taste Sake, he prepared something we haven't tried before in advance. We took on Nito (2 Rabbits) Junmai Daiginjo, his personal favorite, which was pleasant with fruity flavor. Had Tenbu for 2nd bottle, which they learned the brewing technique from Juyondai. Izumibashi Dragonfly Gold Kimoto Sake pairing with Niki's signature pasta was mind-blowing. 3.5 hours dinner. We were last ones to leave. Course $310 per person. Corkage fee $85. Limited free street parking or valet.

Our favorite Niki Nakayama!

Our favorite Sommelier, Devin!

Tamagawa Welcome Sake

Tamagawa Welcome Sake




Sakizuke – Oyster, Cauliflower, Tomato, Dulse, Dill, Caviar, Crispy Rice Puff

Devin's special sake curation for us

Nito (2 Rabbits) Sake


Zensai – White Asparagus Chawanmushi, Ocean Trout + Wasabi, Wagyu Bao, Soft Shell Crab, Broccolini Kinpira, Strawberry Shira-Ae, Baby Corn + Curry Sumiso

Wagyu Bao

Soft Shell Crab

Ocean Trout + Wasabi

Baby Corn + Curry Sumiso

Modern Zukuri – Tasmanian Ocean Trout, White Asparagus, Toasted Miso, Tosazu Gelee

Owan – Shrimp, Baby Corn, Corn Dashi

Owan – Shrimp, Baby Corn, Corn Dashi

Otsukuri – Traditional Sashimi

Excuse me for the butt shot, but wanted to share the intentionally hidden sashimi

Yakimono – John Dory Arima, Sasho Pepper, Broccolini, Pickled Vegetables

Yakimono – John Dory Arima, Sasho Pepper, Broccolini, Pickled Vegetables

Tenbu

Mushimono – Sugar Snap Pea, Dungeness Crab Shinjo, Meyer Lemon

Shiizakana – Spaghetti, Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe, Truffle

Izumibashi Dragonfly Gold Kimoto



Niku – A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, Roasted Artichoke, English Peas

Sunomono – Magnolia Petal, Amazake, Dragon Fruit, Daikon, Spruce
Paired w/ Heiwa Tsuruume Ichigo Plum Wine

Heiwa Tsuruume Ichigo Plum Wine paired with Sunomono

Hand Towel for Eating Sushi in Abalone Shell

Shokuji – Nigiri Sushi


Soup

Shokuji – Nigiri Sushi

Blue Crab Handroll

Mizumono – White Grape Sorbet, Jasmine Jelly, Tarragon Oil, Sencha

Rhubarb, Strawberry Ganache, Malted Milk Crumbs, Ginger Ice Cream, Rhubarb + Sakura Compote


Matcha

n/naka
3455 S Overland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 836-6252
n-naka.com

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