Osechi Ryori is the traditional food enjoyed on New Year’s day in Japan. Many Japanese Americans also practice the custom as well. When I was a kid, my family had the luxury of being invited to my grandparent’s home, where my step-grandmother had an impressive spread of food. Every dish of these traditional foods has…
Japanese
Hokkaido Fair Returns to Mitsuwa Marketplace
From Fri. Sep 2 through Mon. Sep 12, Mitsuwa Marketplace will host its annual Hokkaido Fair. This 11-day celebration features the best food the Japanese island offers and takes place at all Mitsuwa Marketplace locations. Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest island and is the northernmost prefecture. The cold ocean waters are ideal for seafood such as king…
E.A.K. Ramen Popup – Final Days at Japan House
This month Japan’s beloved, Iekei-style or E.A.K. ramen is being served by a popup conducted by Machida Shoten in Ovation Hollywood. It takes place in Japan House LA, a Japanese cultural center sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Earlier this year, I tried Miso Ramen from Tsujita Misonosyo. Machida Shoten is a…
Tenkatori adds Best of Class Karaage Chicken to West LA
Fried chicken has been trending for quite some time in LA. One of the first to get recognition was Gus’ Fried Chicken. Soon after, we started seeing many variations such as hot fried chicken from Hotville Fried Chicken, Honey Dress (Korean), and Tokyo Fried Chicken. Tenkatori is an award-winning Japanese karaage restaurant open on Sawtelle Blvd in Japan Town. …
Ojiya Delivers Solid Japanese Comfort Food In Torrance
I grew up in LA’s Westside, and during that time, restaurants that featured Japanese comfort food were plentiful. These family-oriented restaurants featured teriyaki, pork tonkatsu, udon, tempura, and sashimi. Most of these restaurants have vanished because the children don’t carry it forward. Ojiya is one such restaurant and has been going strong since 2003. Ojiya…
Ramen Discoveries, A Popup Dining Series
In celebration of JAPAN HOUSE’s current exhibition, “The Art of the Ramen Bowl,” JAPAN HOUSE created Ramen Discoveries, a delicious popup series showcasing the diverse flavors of Japanese ramen. Now through July, guests will be able to pair their visit to the exhibition with a trip to their fifth-floor restaurant space to experience world-class ramen….
How to Better Appreciate Japanese Food in LA
Japanese food has become a favorite of not only locals from its home country, but also of people all around the world. The fun mix of different flavors has made it a staple for adventurous and picky eaters alike. Some of the most popular Japanese dishes include sushi, ramen, and katsu. The food is also characterized by…
Kozo Sushi – Great Option for Japanese Take-Out Sushi
The Rolling Hills Plaza in Torrance is best known for its many Japanese eateries, such as Nijiya Market, Iccho, Ichimi-An, and Yamaya. Sushi Boy recently closed and reopened in a new location in the mall as Kozo Sushi. Kozo Sushi took over the retail space where Sub Society resided. It is a fast-casual restaurant with an extensive…
Afuri Ramen Brings Popular Yuzu-Flavored Broth to LA
Afuri Ramen is one of the latest Tokyo-based restaurants to expand their operations into the US. They have locations in the San Francisco area, Portland, and recently opened in LA’s Art District in downtown LA. They are best known for their signature Yuzu Shio ramen; yuzu is a common fruit in Japanese cuisine. I was…
Where To Find New Year’s Eve Dinners To-Go in LA
With the pandemic spiking with yet another variant, some restaurants have shifted their New Year’s Eve operations to address concerned diners. Below are a number of restaurants providing New Years’ Eve Dinners To-Go. Echo Park Tsubaki Chefs Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan have pivoted and created a very special Japanese New Year’s 6 course menu….