Saturday, February 22, 2025

Sushi Sonagi@Gardena ★★★

Omakase Made with Passion. Features premium fresh fish from Japan with influence of Japan, Korea, and California. Thoughtful and well-balanced meal featuring dry-aged fish. The Dolsot Seikogani (Crispy Stone Pot Rice w/ Hokkaido Female Snow Crab) was fantastic. Chef Daniel Son (Katsu Sando) is very humble & down-to-earth. His friendly personality and small talks always make the meal extra enjoyable.  Lovely teamwork with his family. $230 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. Corkage $45 for 720mL bottle. Right next to Torimatsu. Free parking in strip mall.

Nodoguro (Black Throat Perch) from Korea

Sushi Chef Daniel-san


Kuheiji Eau du Desir 2023 $110 (bottle)

Chawanmushi
ikura shoyuzuke, snow crab, nama aonori

Black Abalone from Jeju Island, Korea
abalone liver sauce, hana ho, mazuma wasabi

Saba Sando (Chiba)
Japanese mackerel sandwich

Ankimo (Monkfish Liver) from Hokkaido

Hokkaido Hotate Age (Crispy Diver Scallop)

Shima Aji (Striped Jack) from Kagoshima


Sawara (King Mackerel)

Buri (Wild Yellowtail) from Hokkaido

Sumagatsuo (Skipjack Tuna) from Kagoshima with Menegi

Aori Ika (Big Reef Squid) from Kagoshima

Aburi Engawa (Seared Flounder Fin) from Korea

Carabineros (Scarlet Shrimp) from Spain

Carabineros (Scarlet Shrimp) from Spain


Bafun Uni from Hokkaido

Anago (Sea Eel) from Korea


Suimono
Meiji tofu from from Gardena, chrysanthemum, yuzu

Seikogani Dolsot Bap (Hokkaido Female Snow Crab Rice)

Seikogani Dolsot Bap (Hokkaido Female Snow Crab Rice) (refill)

Miso Butter Atsuyaki Tamago from California (Miso Butter Omelet)

Buttermilk Pudding
yuzu ice, yuzu from Torrance

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

Friday, February 14, 2025

n/naka@Palms Los Angeles ★★★

Michelin Star Modern Kaiskei on Valentine's Day. Beautiful presentation & well-balanced dishes. Love Chef Niki Nakyama. Very humble and friendly. Chef Niki always comes out to greet the guests at the end of the meal. Devin is an exceptional sommelier and offers excellent recommendations. Tasting course $425 per person. Limited free street parking or valet for $12. Reservations on Tock and are very hard to book.

Zensai
Shigoku Oyster + Caviar, Unagi + Avocado, Ika Shinjo + Scallop, Miso Braised Wagyu Tartlet, Mandarin Orange + Beet Sumiso, Kabu + Fennel, Duck Liver Pate + Dark Cherry Macaron


Photo taken by Chef Niki!

Fun make your own tea blend activity


Houou Biden Sake Mira Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo $120

Sakizuke
kabu panna cotta, kabu, zuwai + kobakogani, tosazu

Sakizuke
kabu panna cotta, kabu, zuwai + kobakogani, tosazu

Sakizuke
kabu panna cotta, kabu, zuwai + kobakogani, tosazu

Houou Biden Sake Mira Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo

Zensai
Shigoku Oyster + Caviar, Unagi + Avocado, Ika Shinjo + Scallop, Miso Braised Wagyu Tartlet, Mandarin Orange + Beet Sumiso, Kabu + Fennel, Duck Liver Pate + Dark Cherry Macaron

Modern Zukuri
Aori Ika, Yuca, Bafun Uni Joyu, Shiso

Bafun Uni Joyu, Shiso (Dipping for Aori Ika)

Owan
Lobster Shinjo, Fennel, Spinach, Carrot

Otsukuri
Otoro, Buri, Akamutsu, Hirame

Yakimono
Live Scallop, Asparagus, Shiitake, Brown Butter Ponzu


Fifth Taste Sake

Forgot to take a pic of this dish. Got iPhone pic from my husband.
Mushimono
California Black Cod, Maitake, Green Chard, Akadashi

Shiizakana
Spaghetti, Abalone, Mentaiko, Tuffle, Kaiware

Niku
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Sukiyaki

Sunomono
Fuji Apple, Celery, Pomelo, Kombu


Shokuji
Tai, Ototo, Saba

Miso Soup

Shokuji
Kanpachi, Santa Barbara Uni & Ikura, Kinmedai

Blue Crab Hand Roll

Bijofu

Mizumono
Lime + Shiso Sorbet, Umeshu Jelly, Blood Orange, Hibiscus

Raspberry + White Chocolate, Doburoku Ice Cream, Miso Crumble, Raspberry Gel, Dacquoise

Wagashi





Take-home Gift for the next morning


Commemorative Photo

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

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Ichimi Ann@Torrance ★★★

Homemade Udon & Soba from Inaba. Fresh & Amazing. Affordable Japanese comfort fast food. Cold Tororo Soba with Mentai and Onsen Tamago add-ons (served on the side). Fast food self-seating with self-served iced tea and water. Return tray by the cashier when done. Free street parking.

Cold Tororo Soba with Mentai & Onsen Tamago add on (served on the side) $21.50

Ichimi Ann Bamboo Garden
1618 Cravens Ave
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 328-1323
www.ichimiann.com