Saturday, December 28, 2024

Okan@Costa Mesa ★

New Casual Japanese Dining Spot. Okan took over the previous Sakanaya OC location. Decent food. Monthly price for Uni Rice Dishes was $45. Kamameshi Rice Pot was nice but not hot enough to create crispy rice on the edges of the pot. Pricing was ok. Friendly staff. Would like to try Creamy Mentai Udon next time. Reservations available via phone or online. Corkage fee $25 for 720mL. Hot water $1. Hot Green Tea $2.50. Free parking in lot in strip mall.

Uni Scallop Carpaccio $17.50

Deep-Fried Soft Shell Crab $12.50

Hamachi Kama $10


Kamameshi Beef Tongue Rice Pot $21.50

Okan
688 Baker St Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 760-4828

Friday, December 27, 2024

Sushi Sonagi@Gardena ★★★

Omakase Made with Love. 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.

Suma Katsuo (Skipjack Tuna) from Miyagi with Menegi

Carabineros (Scarlet Shrimp) from Spain

Sushi Chef Daniel Son

Brought Jikon




Chawanmushi
ikura shoyuzuke, snow crab, nama aonori

Chawanmushi
ikura shoyuzuke, snow crab, nama aonori

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

Saba Sando (Miyazaki)
Japanese mackerel sandwich

Ankimo (Monkfish Liver) from Hokkaido

Hokkaido Hotate Age (Crispy Diver Scallop)
awayuku shio

Shima Aji (Striped Jack) from Mie

Sawara (Spanish Mackerel) from Mie

Sliced Ginger for Sushi

Aori Ika (Big Fin Squid) from Chiba

Buri (Wild Yellowtail) from Hokkaido


Binchotan for Nodoguro

Nodoguro (Black Throat Perch) from Korea

Binchotan for Engawa


Aburi Engawa (Seared Flounder Fin) from Korea

Carabineros (Scarlet Shrimp) from Spain

Bafun Uni from Hokkaido

Bafun Uni from Hokkaido

Anago (Sea Eel) from Hokkaido

Suimono
Meiji tofu from from Gardena, chrysanthemum, yuzu

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 available)


Binchotan for Tamago

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

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Oryori Shunji@Santa Monica ★★★

Amazing Pop-Up by Chef Yoshio Nakai at Shunji. All dishes were delicious. Shirako Tempura was very nice. Always enjoyed Shunji's own special Ichigo sake. Friendly & cozy environment. Very happy to see Yuki from Sukiyuki there. $190 per person. Refillable Hot Green Tea $8. Reservations on Tock.

Shunji's special Ichigo Sake $85

Sekogani Chawanmushi

Aji & Chutoro Sashimi


Kyoto Style New Year Soup

Millet Shirako Tempura with Rice

Seasonal Crab with Myoga Slices & Tomato

Anago Tempura

Ankimo Toast


Chicken Nabe with Vegetables

Chicken Nabe with Vegetables

Barracuda Rice Pot

Barracuda Rice Pot

Oyster Rice Pot with Sansho Pepper

Oyster Rice Pot with Sansho Pepper, Miso Soup, Japanese Pickles (Cucumber & Radish)

The last drop

Chestnut Fromage

Hojicha

Surprise Christmas Take Home Gift

Yuki from Sukiyuki at Shunji!

Shunji
3003 Ocean Park Blvd
Santa Monica, 90405
exploretock.com/shunji/