My daughter and I recently enjoyed a scenic 6-mile walk through Playa del Rey. It was an urban hike created by @sweetslinky. The hike presented majestic views from the Playa del Rey bluffs and led down to the beach and back. As our reward, she selected a nearby K’s Bistro by Kanpai for lunch. K’s…
sushi
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…
Sōgo Roll Bar Elevates Japanese Hand Rolls
While I’ve sat at the bar at many sushi restaurants, I’ve never experienced a “roll bar.” No, I’m not talking about the accessory on a convertible car, but a bar-like restaurant featuring Japanese hand rolls. Since my daughter volunteers in Hollywood, I took the opportunity to meet her at Sōgo Roll Bar. The Japanese roll…
Sushi Gen Continues Impressive Omakase Offering
Because Torrance and Gardena are neighborhoods close to my house, I have many great choices for Japanese food. Consequently, I am less motivated to frequent Little Tokyo because it is 45 minutes away from home (with no traffic). Recently, I spent a long weekend in Little Tokyo to see what I have missed. Sushi Gen…
Kurisaki Delivers Premium Quality Sushi to the South Bay
Sushi is trendy in the South Bay. While some of the best quality sushi restaurants reside inland, a few South Bay restaurants warrant the attention of sushi lovers. One, in particular, is Kurisaki, a sushi restaurant located in Redondo Beach. Kurisaki is owned and operated by Chef Haruo Kurisaki, a chef who spent 19 years…
Kotosh – Japanese Peruvian Done Well
Kotosh originally opened with the name of Kotosh at Kamiyama and is a Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant. Knowing how important restaurant naming is, I wondered about having a long name that isn’t easy to remember. Fortunately, they are thriving 15 years later. Today, they are simply known as “Kotosh”. Kotosh is located in a strip…
Happy Hour experience at Umi by Hamasaku
Umi by Hamasaku is a Japanese izakaya and sushi restaurant at The Point in El Segundo. The concept was derived from revered Japanese staple Hamasaku in West LA. Umi by Hamasaku is located on the southeast section of The Point. I recently invited a friend to join me for Happy Hour. The Point has a…
Gelson’s Adds Upscale South Bay Grocery Experience
Gelson’s is a regional supermarket chain operating in the more affluent areas of Southern California. After a multi-year struggle with the City of Manhattan Beach, they finally opened on Nov. 14. I visited them a few times and have made some personal observations. Gelson’s is best approached from the north on Sepulveda because from the…
Tokyo Central Opens Torrance Location
The Japanese corporation, Don Quijote, purchased the Marukai Market chain and rebranded it as Tokyo Central. Their locations include West Covina, Costa Mesa, Yorba Linda and most recently in Torrance. The produce section is what you first see as you enter. Tokyo Central has expanded the number of fruit and vegetable offerings. What’s different…