Saturday, November 4, 2023

Manzke@West LA ★★

Michelin Star Modern European with Asian/ Japanese Influence. Space used to be picca restaurant. Dishes were nice. Service can be better and more attentive with better explanation in general. Tasting menu $295 per person. Classic Wine Pairing $165. Non-alcoholic Zero Proof Pairing $95. Water charge $5 per person. Dinner was 3.5 hours. Advanced reservation via Tock. Valet parking or limited metered street parking.

Tostada
blue fin tuna, salsa fresca, mezcal margarita


Sake



Zero Proof Pairing: Watermelon, Thai Basil, Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling

Japanese Hamachi
rocky sweet melon, strawberry nuoc cham

NV Billecart-Salmon Rosé


Zero Proof Pairing: Tomato-Peach, Basil, Calamansi Vinegar



Brioche
rodolphe le meunier normandy butter


Norwegian King Crab
sungold tomatoes, plums, smoked trout roe

NV Claude Cazaks, Blanc de Blancs, Cuvée Vive,
Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru



Zero Proof Pairing: Eric Bordelet "Perlant" Jus de Pommes a Sydre

Kaluga Queen Caviar
king crab, hokkaido uni chawanmushi, brown butter dashi

2020 Willi Schaefer, Graacher Domprobst, Kabinett, Mosel


Zero Proof Pairing: Martini & Rossi Floreale n/a Vermouth Bianco, Thai Curry, Melon

Heirloom Tomato Soup
thai curry


Zero Proof Pairing: Nishi Sensha Green Tea

Japanese Kinmedai
chanterelle mushrooms, rede flame grapes, sauce vin jaune

Italian White Truffle available for additional $95 per person

2020 Guy Robin, Montée De Tonnerre Premier Cru, Chablis


Honeynut Squash Agnolotti

2019 Camille Giroud, 1er Cru Aux Clous, Savigny-lés-Beaune


Zero Proof Pairing: Hibisicusm Rooibos Tea, Blackberry, Banyuls Vinegar, Verjus Rouge


Liberty Farms Sonoma Duck
shinko pear, spiced cider-jus

2012 Clos du Marquis, Saint-Julien


Miyazaki Wagyu Striploin
matsutake mushrooms, sauce bordelaise



Zero Proof Pairing: Horchata, Coconut, Almond, Cardamom

Tamai Farms Strawberries
crème brûlée

madelines

Hot Cocoa

Manzke
9575 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
manzkerestaurant.com

Thursday, November 2, 2023

n/naka@Palms Los Angeles ★★★

2 Michelin Stars Modern Kaiskei. Incredible. Visually Enticing. Tastefully Appetizing. A philosophic journey. A progression that guides you into a story gradually and finishes well. Everything is balanced and well-connected with perfect portion and variety. They don't have the Michelin arrogance. They value holistic customer experience rather than how much a customer spend on a bottle of wine. Niki Nakyama is very humble and friendly. I came when they first opened in 2011. She treats us like old neighbors. Pasta is her signature dish; hence, it’s modern kaiseki. Devin is an exceptional sommelier and always provides us with beyond outstanding service. 十四代 Juyondai Sake was phenomenal. Fruity & refreshing with a hint of carbonation and notes of melon. They only get 3 bottles per year. They even take care of customers' breakfast for the next morning with special pastry and handcrafted tea. Whole restaurant has great team service. One can tell that the team is pretty close. 3.5 hours dinner. Course $310 per person. Corkage fee $85. Limited free street parking or valet. Reservations on Tock and are very hard to book.


Our favorite Niki Nakayama



Juyondai $450


Celebratory Drink

Celebratory Drink

Welcome Drink with Apple & Thyme Infusion



Sakizuke
Japanese Scallop, Autumn Carrot, Sunflower Seeds, Tosazu Gelee, Dill, Kombu Oil

Zensai
Fig Tempura, Wagyu Beef Curry, Wakame & Cucumber Nuta, Celery & Truffle Vinaigrette, Tamagoyaki & California Spiny Lobster, Mirugai, Oregon Matsutake Mushroom Tea

Mordern Zukuri (Sashimi Dish made w/ West Coast Ingredients)
Santa Barbara Uni, California Spiny Lobster, Matsutake Mushroom from Oregon, Butternut Squash from Chef Niki's backyard, Pine Nuts, Spruce Oil, Sudachi

Owan
Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper), Kabocha Dashi, Opo Squash

Owan
Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper), Kabocha Dashi, Opo Squash

Otsukuri
Tai (Sea Bream), Otoro, Maguro, Kushi Oyster from Japan

Yakimono
Amadai (Japanese Tile Fish), Celeriac Purée, Tomatillo & Black Garlic, Ponzu, Cabbage Glass Chips


Mushimono
Ika & Little Neck Clam Shinjo, Satoimo, Fennel, Nori & Yuzu Dashi




Shiizakana
Spaghetti, Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe, Truffle

Niku
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, Fig MIso, Shiitake Purée, Charcoal-Roasted Maitake Mushroom


Sunomono (Palette Cleanser)
Shinko Pear, Fuyū Persimmon, Tapioca, Ginger Dashi, Ao Tosaka
Yuzu Sake


White Miso Soup



Shokuji
Nigiri Sushi – Hirame, Otoro, Sawara (Spanish Mackerel)

Mirugai, Kamasu, Uni Ikura

Blue Crab Hand Roll

Mizumono
Granny Smith Apple Sorbet, Sorrel, Nata de Coco, Shiso & Yuzu Granita

Poached Pear, Hojicha & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Kinako Butter Cookie Crumble, Soy Caramel

"The last drop is the best drop." – Someone from Fifth Taste

Monsoon & Juyondai comparison

Monsoon & Juyondai comparison


Mochi

Chocolate

Matcha

Commemorative Celebratory Photo signed by Niki

Our favorite Sommelier Devin!

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