*** NOTE: Owners changed it to "Izakaya Bincho," due to some complications with the city. Details and Review here. ***In terms of Japanese cuisine in Los Angeles (and most of America), Sushi is by far the most explored and popular type; and with that popularity came a maturity and push for excellence that's given L.A. some solid, good quality [...]
It's always inspiring to visit a restaurant that's the lifework of a chef/owner; to see and taste the result of their love of food and the pursuit of a life-long dream. I originally knew nothing about Yakitori Yakyudori, except that it was highly recommended by my friend ila as a great place to get Yakitori (Japanese-style Grilled Chicken [...]
When asking the South Bay foodies and Japanese ex-pats about Yakitori (traditionally, Roasted Chicken Skewers over Binchotan (White Charcoal)), the name "Torimatsu" inevitably comes up. It's so well-known among certain segments that I recently asked a friend from Tokyo (who's visited the South Bay) if they heard of Torimatsu, and I laughed as my [...]
While it had only been a few weeks since my last visit to Torihei, various circumstances resulted in me returning for a fourth, fifth and sixth visit. :) As So Cal's new Kyoto-style Oden (Variety of Items Stewed in a Dashi Broth) and Yakitori (Roasted Chicken Skewers) Specialist, Torihei has expanded their menu since their debut last [...]
So after a long day with the Kyoto Tour, and walking around Shijo, we wandered onto Kiyamachi Street, a quaint, peaceful and interesting small side street. There were so many eateries, and we finally decided to step into a simple, but brightly lit Kushiyaki / Yakitori restaurant just south of Sanjo Street (on Kiyamachi). I was so tired at this [...]
After the tragedy that befell one of L.A.'s best hidden gems - Yakitori Bincho - last year, I was eagerly counting the days until Chef Tomo and Yakitori Bincho could move to a new location that would allow them to continue making their legendary Yakitori (Roasted Chicken Skewers over Japanese White Charcoal). Chef Tomo elevated Yakitori to such a [...]
Over the years, Shin Sen Gumi (in all its incarnations) has become a good ol' standard in Southern California, a regular stop for locals for a hearty bowl of Hakata Ramen noodles, or for their delectable Yakitori / Kushiyaki (roasted skewers of meat and vegetables over Binchotan (Japanese white charcoal)). The Shin Sen Gumi restaurants have [...]
*** NOTE: Owners changed it to "Izakaya Bincho," due to some complications with the city. Details and Review here. ***After having tried the excellence that was Yakitori Bincho last week, I wanted to bring along two of my friends from Tokyo and get their perspective (both of them Yakitori Hounds, through-and-through) (and I was craving the [...]
