Showing posts with label Wadatsumi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wadatsumi. Show all posts

Friday, March 3, 2023

The Last of Wadatusmi

We recooked Chef Makoto-san's experimental Kamameshi
topped with extra of his signature marinated Ikura he gave us to take home

 
When my husband came home after work, he said, "Let's go to Makoto's." I replied, "No, they are closed. No more Makoto. No more Wadatsumi." All I have left is leftover from Chef Makoto-san's experimental Kamameshi. I put in a low heat CrockPot and heated it for 2 hours to create burned rice on the edges. I topped it with extra of Makoto-san's signature marinated Ilura he gave us to take home. It has been a rough week for us coping with restaurant closure. It's "just a restaurant". Why?

Spending Valentine's Day at Makoto-san's
February 14, 2023

Wadatsumi [private bar area] is like the real life version of Japanese TV series 深夜食堂 (Tokyo Midnight Series). The restaurant itself is fully operational, but once you are at the private bar area, it's another level of intimacy and personal bonding. It's pretty much a one-man-band behind the curtain. We admire him a lot with his multi-talented culinary skills and high level of execution. Whether it's appetizer, Hokkaido hairy crab, sashimi, tempura, oden, grilled fish collar, sushi, shabu shabu, sukiyaki, lobster, wagyu beef, panna cotta, or crème brûlée, he could make it all. It is not all about the food there, but it's also about the relationship with the chef and customers. When we book the private bar, no matter if it's for 2 people or 4 people, he would block off the area for the night. Then, during the 4 hours Kaiseki Omakase dinner, he would be at the bar in front of you and just serving you the whole time. He's the cook and server at the same time. One can imagine how many things we talk about and how much sake (we count in terms of bottles) and beer we drink during those 4 hours. Did I forget to mention the countless fun and laughter?

The traditional Japanese interiors at Wadatsumi is perfect for dressing up
February 24, 2023

Makoto-san is like a father figure to us. He takes care of us and treats us like family. He always puts 110% effort in his cooking to ensure that his customers enjoys the meal. He would try to serve us different dishes each time. He is kindhearted and very humble. When we have special requests, he would listen attentively and take notes. His flexibility and amazing attitude wins it all. He never says no. Once we randomly brought in a Crown Melon and asked if he could serve it. He was like, "sure!" and he would just prepare it for dessert. He deserves an award for all the thing he does for us. お世話になりました。

Me, My Husband, My Japanese Sister, Our Friend, Chef Makoto-san, and Manager Allie Yamamoto
after a 4-hour Christmas Eve dinner on December 24, 2022

All things considered, Wadatsumi is, or was, my #1 restaurant. It holds a dearly place in all of our hearts. We are very thankful for my Japanese sister to bring us to Wadatsumi and introduce Makoto-san to us. We are forever grateful for Makoto-san. We cannot and will not find a replacement for Wadatsumi (unless if he opens a new one). I suppose Gozen is somewhat similar but double the price tag and without the personal relationship and fun, or Yamakase for 3 times the price...

Gozen
https://www.syorithefoodie.com/2020/11/gozenwest-hollywood.html

Yamakase
https://www.syorithefoodie.com/2022/03/yamakasesawtelle.html

Final Hug on Closing Night
February 25, 2023

Farewell Dinner with Makoto-san before sending him back to Japan that night
February 26, 2023

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Wadatsumi@Beverly Hills ★★★ (closed)

One Last Final Meal. We are sad that Wadatsumi Beverly Hills is now officially closed. Sushi Omakase Course this time was $89 per person. Thank you Makoto-san for the hard work and excellent cooking skills. It's been a wonderful culinary journey that brings back fond memories.

Blue Fin Tuna with Uni


Oden

Kegani (Hokkaido Hairy Crab)

Senkin Sake

Lobster Dynamite

Tiger Shrimp Tempura

Tamagawa Sake 1.8L



Aji

Sea Bream with Salt and Sudachi Japanese Lime

Salmon

Shima Aji

Kamasu (Barracuda) with Yuzu Peel

Hirame (Halibut)

Kohada (Gizzard Shad) with Egg Powder

Ikura (Salmon Roe)

Clam Soup



Uni Toro Sushi

Green Tea Crème Brûlée

Chef Makoto-san (Yes, I had trouble smiling that night)

Goodbye for now :(

Wadatsumi Beverly Hills
410 N. Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 888-0036
wadatsumibh.com


Friday, February 24, 2023

Wadatsumi@Beverly Hills ★★★ (closed)

The Last Supper: Last Kaiseki Omakase Course Meal at Wadatsumi. Wow, wow, wow amazing quality with such high level of passion and craftsmanship. Abundance of courses featuring Uni dishes. Cozy and personal environment. Chef Makoto-san has been a great and fun friend. $150 per person. Corkage fee $35. Parking at lot across the street is $5 after 6pm. Unfortunately, they will be closing for good tomorrow... Thank you so much for everything, Makoto-san!!

Modern "Kamameshi" with Uni, Salmon, Sea Bream, Tegani Crab, and Tamago

Alcohol for the Night: 1.8L Tamagawa, 720mL Kid Muryozan Junmai Ginjo Sake

Kid Muryozan Junmai Ginjo Sake

Kid Muryozan Junmai Ginjo Sake

Toro Kama (Blue Fin Tuna Collar)


Oden

Toro Kama (Blue Fin Tuna Collar)




Kegani (Hairy Crab)

Abalone

Lobster Claw Sunomono

Steamed Uni Shumai made to order!

Abalone with Squash

Toro Kama (Blue Fin Tuna Collar)

Toro Kama (Blue Fin Tuna Collar)

Uni Shumai & Wagyu Beef Shumai

Blue Fin Tuna Collar


Tai, Sayori, Toro, Aji, Hirame



Uni & Lobster Tempura

Duck

Duck

Kegani (Hairy Crab) for Shabu Shabu

Kegani (Hairy Crab) for Shabu Shabu

Modern Kamameshi

Modern "Kamameshi" with Uni, Salmon, Sea Bream, Tegani Crab, and Tamago


Shima Aji

Making Sushi

Buri (Japanese Yellowtail) with Sweet Soy


Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch)

Blue Fin Tuna

Toro & Uni Handroll with lots of Uni

Toro & Uni Handroll with lots of Uni

Fish Miso Soup

Fish Miso Soup

He even baked us Madeleine to take home!!

Crème Brûlée

Panna Cotta & Crème Brûlée

Private Chef's Counter

Chef Makoto-san

Wadatsumi Beverly Hills
410 N. Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 888-0036
wadatsumibh.com