Saturday, February 24, 2024

Gokumi@Santa Ana ★★★

Amazing Izakaya Restaurant in Santa Ana. Specializes in Yakitori, Ramen, and Fifth Taste Sake. Reasonable price. Ramen has nice egg flavor to it. Ryo-san is an amazing & dedicated Yakitori Chef. Our server Yono-san is down-to-earth, honest, and is great with his recommendations for the seasonal items. Team came from Honda-ya. Great place to dine around Disneyland area. Love the free Edamame (can choose truffle oil if available) upon Yelp check-in, especially to pair w/ sake. Free limited parking in lot.

Pork Belly w/ Plum Shiso $4, Shrimp $5.50, Shitake Mushrooms $3, American Wagyu Tongue $7.50, Chicken Liver $3.75, Brussels Sprouts w/ Pork $3.75

Braised Beef Tongue $10

Koueigiku Harujikon Muroka Nama Genshu Sake $80
distributed & imported by Fifth Taste

Edamame with Truffle Oil (Free w/ Yelp Check-In)

Shrimp $5.50, Shitake Mushrooms $3, American Wagyu Tongue $7.50

Oyster $4 each


Chicken Skin $3.50

Thigh w/ Spring Onions $3.75, Chicken Wings $4.50, Zucchini $3, Pork Belly w/ Plum Shiso $4

Shrimp Ramen $17
shrimps, sprouts, spring onion

Ginko Nuts $2.50, Fatty Heart $4, Skirt Steak $8.50

Scallop $3.50

Ramen

Amazing Yakitori Chef Ryo-san

Gokumi
2 Hutton Centre Dr, #203
Santa Ana, CA 92707​
(714) 617-4540
https://gokumi.us

Friday, February 23, 2024

n/naka@Palms Los Angeles ★★★

2 Michelin Stars Modern Kaiskei. Absolute Favorite. A progressive philosophic journey. Well-balanced meal from start to finish. They value holistic customer experience rather anything else. They told us that some menu items would be the same as our last visit was just last month, but Chef Niki gave us sneak previews of next season's menu to let us try and comment on them. What a treat. They are still being developed. Niki Nakyama is very humble and friendly. Abalone Pasta is her signature dish. Devin is an exceptional sommelier and always provides us with beyond outstanding service. We had Bashu Ikkon Junmai Daiginjo Sake recommended by Devin. Interesting notes of fruits started appearing as it opened up. Great team service. 3 hours dinner. Course $310 per person. Corkage fee $85. Limited free street parking or valet. Reservations on Tock and are very hard to book.

Zensai
Celery & Truffle Vinaigrette, Tamagoyaki & Californian Spiny Lobster, Wagyu Nikomi, Fennel & Purple Mizuna & Pecan, Grilled Shiitake, Buri Spring Roll, Orange Gelee

Chef Niki Nakayama

Devin, our favorite Sake Sommelier




Celebratory Champagne

Bashu Ikkon, Junmai Daiginjo, Sanyohai SHuzo, Hyogo $220


Sakizuke
Kabu Panna Cotta, Alaskan King Crab

Zensai
Celery & Truffle Vinaigrette, Tamagoyaki & Californian Spiny Lobster, Wagyu Nikomi, Fennel & Purple Mizuna & Pecan, Grilled Shiitake, Buri Spring Roll, Orange Gelee

Modern Zukuri
Sayori, Chive, Finger Lime

Owan
Lobster, Hakusai, Shimeji, Carrot

Owan
Lobster, Hakusai, Shimeji, Carrot


Otsukuri
Tai, Otoro, Scallop

Yakimono
Kinmedai, Bamboo, Smoked Daikon Tartare

Mushimono
Uni, Kani, Dashi

Mushimono
Uni, Kani, Dashi


Shiizakana
Spaghetti, Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe, Truffle

Shiizakana
Spaghetti, Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe, Truffle

Niku
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, Baby Carrot, Goma, Gobo


Sunomono
Oyster, Citrus Ponzu, Namasu Oroshi


Shokuji
Buri, Sweet Shrimp, Otoro Nigiri Sushi


Shokuji
Katsuo, Kamasu, Uni & Ikura Nigiri Sushi

Blue Crab Handroll

Soup

Mizumono
Bergamont Sorbet, Sweet Ginger Gelee, Lime Meringue

Rum Baba, Cheesecake Ice Cream, Miso Crunch, Blood Orange & Mango

Artisan Chocolates

Matcha

Mochi for Special Celebration

Jikon Junmai Ginjo

Take Home Gifts – Bakery & Special Crafted Tea

Commemorative Photo at n/naka

Commemorative Photos at n/naka

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