syori the foodie

Friday, October 6, 2023

Sushi Sonagi@Gardena ★★★

Hands Down New Favorite. Omakase Sushi with Korean homage from Chef Daniel Son (Katsu Sando). He cooks with love. He wins our hearts and is becoming our favorite. Features premium fish from Japan with influence of Japan, Korea, and California. Thoughtful and well-balanced meal featuring dry-aged fish. Love the Ganjang Gejang (Soy-Cured Flower Crab). The Dolsot Sakura Ebi (Crispy Stone Pot Rice w/ Baby Pink Shrimp) blew my mind. I could eat just that for the whole meal. Daniel is very humble & down-to-earth. The most sincere person we have ever met. Love chatting with him with his transparent personality. Super friendly & enjoyable environment. Lovely teamwork with his wife Janet. Exceptional service. Decided to come back regularly. (Figured that other traditional restaurants that are too rigid, strict, uptight, and commercial are not for us anymore. We don't want to pay for mediocre service at other restaurants.) Had a bottle of Kuheiji Eau du Désir from the fantastic Shuzo. $200 per person. Perfect portions. 8 seats per seating with 2 seating available. Only opens 3 times a week. Reservations via Tock and is always sold out. Green tea is complimentary. 2 stores away from Torimatsu. Free parking in strip mall.

Sanma (Pike Mackarel) from Hokkaido

Sushi Chef Daniel Son is incredible
Note: We were wearing the sold out Katsu Sando tees to support him. He was impressed.

Chawanmushi
snow crab, ikura, Santa Barbara uni, chive oil

Wagyu Yukhoe Toast
korean pear, kinome

Hirame (Olive Flounder) from Jeju

Kuheiji Eau du Désir $97

Shima Aji (Stripped Jack) from Nagasaki

Shiroebi (Baby Shrimp) from Iwate (15-20 shrimps in a piece)

Ogata Binchotan for Sawara (King Mackerel)

Sawara (King Mackerel) from Mie
binchotan seared

Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) from Chiba with Awayuki Snowflake Salt

Maguro Zuke (Marinated Big Eye Tuna) from Hawaii (wild caught)

Umi Masu (Ocean Trout) from Tasmania

Aoebi (Blue Prawn) from Caledonia

Kohada (Gizzard Shad) from Aichi

Seki Saba (Mackerel) from Oita

Ganjang Gejang (Soy-Cured Flower Crab) with Astrea Caviar

Murasaki Uni (Sea Urchin) from Hokkaido

Dolsot Sakura Ebi (Crispy Rice w/ Baby Pink Shrimp)

Matsutake Suimono with Asari Clam & Shingiku from Oregon

Dolsot Sakura Ebi (Crispy Rice w/ Baby Pink Shrimp) to enjoy with the soup

Dolsot Sakura Ebi (Crispy Rice w/ Baby Pink Shrimp)

Kuheiji Eau du Désir

Anago (Sea Eel) from Nagasaki

Binchotan from Ogata

Miso Butter Atsuyaki Tamago (Egg)

Whte Sesame Ice Cream, Blueberry Yuzu Sauce from Torrance
(inspired by Peanut Butter & Jelly)

Sushi Sonagi
1425 Artesia Blvd
Gardena, CA 90248
https://www.exploretock.com/sushi-sonagi-gardena

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Sushi Tomoki@Studio City ★★★

Sushi Restaurant in Studio City. Sushi Chef Tomoki-san from Enya Beverly Hills is very nice & attentive. Last time he said he would serve us Kegani (Hokkaido Hairy Crab) next time we come, so did he. He saved Kegani for us this time. Sushi on the small side. Omakase about $160 per person (varies). Comes with Appetizer, Sashimi, Sushi, & Hand Roll. Hot tea $3. Ohmine 3 Grain Sake was refreshing & fruity. Paired well with everything. Reservations available via OpenTable (highly recommended). Monday nights are less busy. Currently closed on Wednesdays. Free parking side lot or street parking (read signs).

Appetizer: Duck Breast w/ mustard/ kosho
Dashi Eggplant, Squash, Okra
Kumamoto Oyster w/ Caviar
Fish broth w/ Red Snapper Kokogori (jellied broth)
Tomato