[Gardena] [Japanese Cuisine] Umemura Restaurant - 手工自製拉麵店

Umemura Restaurant

1724 W Redondo Beach Blvd
Gardena, CA 90247

(310) 217-0970

- I like it when my ramen broth is HOT

- I like it when my ramen soup is thick but not porky in taste

- I like it when they make their own ramen noodle

- I like the fast and friendly service

- I like it when the price:quality ratio is good.

- Big Portion too! Enough for a guy

- Their miso ramen is really good. Full of white miso flavor in my mouth and NOT GREASY.

Enough being said. I feel this place is a good place to have lunch at. Ample parking , many options to choose from, consistent in quality.

I agree that there isn't much that really stand out from the other ramen joints nearby, but the food is still above average.

I also ordered their fried rice and their Gyoza. Their gyoza is pretty good too and fried rice...makes me hungry when I am writing this.

minus one star for chashu pork slice in their ramen. Its not juicy / tender enough.

[Los Angeles] [Japanese Cuisine] Happy Cup Ramen Truck

Happy Cup Ramen Truck

twitter.com/HappyCupRamen

For more pictures of this place, please refer to (http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/07/los-angeles-japanese-cuisine-happy.html)

I happened to see this ramen truck on the way heading back home. This truck reminds me of what we used to see back in Asia (A small stand selling only few items).

Food trucks became extremely popular over this past year (esp. Koji Taco). However, its still predominately Mexican/American or Korean Food. Japanese food wise, its completely left out in this region until Happy Cup Ramen showed up.

I had horrible experience eating at Mottainai Ramen few days ago where everyone in our party left sick (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Since then, I am intrigued to try out this new ramen joint.

This Ramen truck as been running for 2 to 3 months. By a Japanese guy who used to owned a restaurant in South bay area, then supervised and Shinsengumi for approx 6 months. The menu offered plenty items for a food truck! From Ramen ( 7 different flavors) to Fried rice, curry rice, fried items..etc. Price is on average about $6.50.

Now to the Core. ** Note this is a Food Truck, so I have taken off service component or the presentation part from the review.

Tonkotsu Ramen (Rich Pork Broth) - It was served with bean sprout, a slice of chashu pork. The Noodle was good in terms of firmness and they used the typical ramen noddle (wavy one, so it can pick up the soup easily). BBQ pork (chashu) was tender, but not the point that will melt in your mouth. The broth, however, was not as Rich/Thick as I expected. Its somewhat thin, but I can still taste the chicken/pork broth. I think the owner altered the taste a bit so it is not as salty as compares to traditional Japanese broth. However, for late night eats (8pm to 3am), its fast, simple and delicious for what you are paying for (and pretty authentic, too).

Like others suggested. This place is not fancy, but its definitely a solid Ramen joint. Next time if you happen to be in the area and feeling hungry? Give it a try.

You can follow them on Twitter @HappyCupRamen

[Gardena] [Japanese Cuisine] Mottanani Ramen

Mottainai Ramen

1630 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Ste 9
Gardena, CA 90247

(310) 538-3250

For more pictures, please look up Chinese Version of the Review (http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/07/gardena-japanese-cuisine-mottanani.html)

Lack of Flavor, Lukewarm, Greasy Ramen Broth. Overcooked Thick Noodle, Strong Smell Chashu Pork slices (YUCK) = Nasty After taste. Do they put MSG in their broth too?? Not good for your health!!

**** I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE****

Came here per Rameniac's recommendation. Came with friends so we can get a fair evaluation of this place. I also read people's review in regards to how good every little dishes are over here...etc etc etc....Its simply the biggest disappointment in years. The following review sums up the comments from my peers and I.

1. The Broth were ALL luke warm when it was served (Shoyu, Miso and Tonkotsu).
2. The Broth were too Greasy, it gives nasty after taste when it was not hot.
3. The Chashu Pork was the MOST PORKY part of the ramen. It has a strong porky after taste, makes me think they must bought some cheap pork, I had upset stomach all night thanks to the strong aftertaste from the pork , NOT the soup.
4. The noodle that they used in the shoyu ramen was nice in firmness, but it taste like the ones we bought in vacuum pack. The thicker noodle can not pick up the soup well.
5. The Gyoza has nice fillings, however it was not perfectly grilled. It was sticky so when we picked up with chopstick, it breaks easily.
6. Last but not least, the Magic "Bomb" does not make any magic when the soup is not hot. It simply can not dissolved well in the bowl with the temperature of the soup. Its just a market gimmick.

I do not know how people would give high rating for this place. Perhaps I came on the bad days? or the owners changed strategy since soft opening or???

I have to give props to their service. Thats the reason that I am giving them a star. A ramen store that does not make good ramen, its like a disaster.

[Costa Mesa] [Japanese Cuisine] Sushi Shibucho

Sushi Shibucho

590 W 19th St
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

(949) 642-2677

High quality sushi + Very Reasonable Price in Orange County = Hidden Gem.

I wouldn't think this place as "sushi nazi" as others suggested. In fact, I do agree with others this is a very quiant, homey feel sushi joint. It seems like this place is run by family members, but uncertain.

However, the owner does not like people to talk on the cell phone while eating. He will "politely" to remind you. Just be respectful and he will do the same.

I was here for dinner and since we arrived early, we did not have to wait to be seated. However, towards 7-ish. All the seats were taken, and this is during a weekday night. Can imagine how packed this will be during weekend.

I ordered the Omakase sushi at the bar. It was served piece by piece. I mentioned that I want more "traditional" flair, which he did not disappoint me with. I was presented with fresh fishes from tuna, salmon, real tai (red snapper) with skin, orange clam, shrimp, sea urchin, mackerel, halibut, pike, eel, etc. The quality of the fish were very solid. I feel I am getting a very good quality fish for the price that was charging. Its definitely one of the better sushi joints in the area.

This place, however, is lack of exotic/unique fish. Its more on the safe side, but then, that's at chef's discretion since they are very clear to keeping this a family-style sushi joint.

I think some people get offended because they think sushi joints should offer cocktails, serve spider roll or philidelphia rolls. This is more like a traditional sushi joint unlike those "Asian/Japanese Fusions" or Korean owned sushi joint that will create creative rolls. However, this is definitely a place to visit if you are in the area and serious about eating sushi.

If you sit at the table, you can also order Omakase set, which is beautifully presented and delicious to eat too.

This is one of the few sushi restaurants that still holds its belief of running sushi joint in very traditional way, and I respect chef's decision and highly recommend for those who lives around the area and wants some high quality sushi for reasonable price.

For More pictures of this restaurant, please click (http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/07/costa-mesa-japanese-cuisine-sushi.html)

[Torrance] [Japanese Cuisine] Kantaro Sushi

Kantaro Sushi

1542 W Carson St
Torrance, CA 90501

(310) 320-0200

Another Hidden Gem in Torrance area. I agree with previous posters that if you factor in apparance, you shouldn't be eating here. However, I find this place gives excellent value and quality food at the same time.

This sushi joint located inside a small Mexcian strip mall in the middle of Carson blvd. If my friend didn't introduce me this place, I wouldn't even know about this place. It seems to me that they actually opened for at least 20 years and the owner is Japanese couple and most of the customers here are local Japanese crowd.

Their lunch set is VERY affordable. You can have hand made fresh sushi from around $8 dollar to their most expensive item $16.99. The meal is awesome, especially for the price you can only get a small box of sushi at mitsuwa versus here you are getting a whole set that comes with soup, salad, pickcles, and more.

I have to mention that their pickeles are one of the better one in this area, it has three different types of vegetables and they give you alot! Their salad is typical green salad with Italian dressing. Soup is full of seaweeds, tofu, and green onions.

Now the sushi:
Deluxe Sushi Lunch set ($9.90). Wow are you kidding me? I am getting 8 pieces of nigiri sushi plus 6 handrolls on top of everything else? With this price I can barely get a set lunch at niko niko down the block! Sushi consists of Salmon, Tuna, Red Snapper, Shrimp, Shrimp Eggs, Surf clam, egg and white fish, along with 3 pieces of cucumber cut roll and 3 pieces of tuna cut roll. portion wise, its more than enough to fill you up unless you have big appetite.

Supreme Sushi Lunch Set ($16.90). This is their most expensive lunch menu item, except the Omasake set ($40). It consists of more expensive items such as Cho-Toro, Yellowtail, Sweet shrimp, Tuna, Sufr Clam, sea eel, egg, Uni, Salmon eggs, Halibut Fin (This you usually don't get it elsewhere) and 6 pieces of california roll w/shrimp egg. Best of all, this also comes with free greentea/redbean ice cream of your choice! Their uni is big in portion and full in taste. So Sweet!

My only gripe is that their chu-toro has tendons in it which kinda ruined the whole buttery taste. But rest of the sushi items were fresh and tasty. Next time I would ask for less wasabi in my sushi since I like to taste the fish's natural taste more.

I think their Omakase is really good value ($40) . It has many items that's not on the menu and you will get the authentic Japanese taste and presentation. Its definitely not "fancy". However, for the high quality, good value and cozy family-like enviroment, this is the place to be.

More pictures of the sushi restuarant can be found at my own blog (http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/05/kantaro-sushi-torrance-ca-cp.html)

[Redondo Beach] [Japanese Cuisine] Izakaya Bincho

Izakaya Bincho

112 N International Boardwalk
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

(310) 376-3889

izakayabincho.com/

"Hole in the Wall" Izakaya. The first thing for me to do when I came back from this restaurant to write how cool/good it is.

- This restaurant has almost no sign from outside, only insiders would come here or those adventurous people who bypass the restaurant yet its still full.
- They only open for dinner, and they are exactly how izakaya should be in Japan. Very informal, friendly atmosphere. Everyone is very laid back there.
- The food price is very reasonable and the taste is superb.
- The customers were all Japanese, age varied from young to old. That tells you this place is catering to true Japanese food lovers.

Now the Food:

I noticed his frying skill is like one of the best.
I highly recommend:
1) Fried Chicken Nuggets, Japanese Style
2) Fried Spicy Chicken Wings
3) Agedashi Tofu
4) Meatball Hot Pot
5) Chicken Zousui
6) Stewed Pork Belly

The food is a bit towards salty side so if you don't like the salty stuff, its not for you.

This place has more meat dishes than seafood dishes. If u want seafood, the Seafood market place next door is a good alternative.

I can't wait to return to that place!

[Gardena] [Japanese Cuisine] Shin sen gumi Yakitori

Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori

18617 S Western
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 715-1588

Came here for the anniversary special. 4 of their lunch sets were discounted to $5 each. Pretty good deal and we did get seated quickly. The review is for the lunch set only (Saba set, Yakitori set, Yakitori Bowl, and fried chicken set)

1. Yakitori Set. Both of the set lunch came with salad, miso soup, and croquette. I don't know the taste of the yakitori is inferior due to the special or not, but for sure it does not worth the $9 dollar price tag in my opinion. The chicken was not grilled to my liking and the meatball was lack of flavor, their yakitori sauce was nothing to write home about either. I had much better yakitori at Kappo Honda. I actually think the salad dressing was the best part of my dish.

2. Saba set. Exactly the same thing except the yakitori was substitute for the fish instead. The fish was also grilled to order too. The portion seems bigger since they give 1/2 fish instead of 3 skewers. However, the fish had some bones and it does taste fishy when the fish started to cool down. Its a better choice of the two, but still not worth the $8.50 price tag too.

Overall, I was disappointed with their sister Hakata Ramen Chain, and yet this Yakitori chain too. I believe this place is popular but I do not think their taste is truly authentic. Its already modified to local's liking so its good if you want some bargain or u don't mind the not-so-authentic taste yakitori. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend this place to others unless they have discounted their regular menu.

[Torrance] [Japanese Cuisine] Hirose Sushi, Torrance, CA

Hirose

24631 Crenshaw Blvd. #L
Torrance, CA 90505

(310) 530-3533

For Chinese Version, More Pictures of the restaurant. Please Visit http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/03/hirose-sushi-torrance-ca.html

A Solid 5 Star Lunch Experience.

Decided to visit here after consistent good reviews. However the special priced lunch set promotion was over. There are still lunch menu posted outside of the restaurant. There are set lunch where you can select either sashimi or sushi and one hot/cooked dish. Good value.

Parking: Ample free parking located in the Torrance Crossroads Center.

Now the food:

Salad - We all loved their house special dressing! Mayo, Ponzu (Citrus dressing) with 7 grounded peppers. Good restaurant made everything from scratch, not buying it from wholesale (i.e. see my review on Yuzu then you'll know what I meant).

Soup - Miso Soup. It will be nicer if they can put more dashi in the soup to make it more flavorful

Fried Oyster - part of the lunch combo. It was bigger than what we expected! Usually in other restaurant they give you small frozen oysters but here they give you about thumb size oysters, fried to perfection. Crispy yet still remains its natural juice within. It also comes with the house made Tartar dressing and tonkatsu dressing, while tonkatsu dressing is the better out of the two. My friend said she wants to buy a to go order of fried oyster, its that good :)

Miso Saba/Mackerel Fish - Simmered fish which the miso flavor totally blended into the fish. soft moist and tender. It also came with two mini side dishes. Very nicely presented as well.

The Sashimi that came with aboved two courses were the same. The chef selected Tuna, Salmon, Scallop, Needle Fish (which is the seasonal fish for spring, almost transparent meat with silver stripes as the skin). Amberjack and baby yellowtail. The qualities were all fresh and textures were good. No tendons in it. I consider its pretty good value to order combo.

The pickles that came with the lunch was house made cucumber and purple-dyed daikon. Crisp and presented nicely too.

My lunch dish was the chirashi sushi box. It came with approx 14 different types of ingredients. I listed in my own blog of each type of fish but the chef put almost all the good quality type of fish/shellfishes on top of it something like Uni, Chu toro, Ikura, Baby Yellowtail, Salmon Toro, Giant Clams..and much more. They are all fresh and I felt happy that I made the right choice. The portion is not that big so even a girl can finish it. However, listing/identifying each type of fish out is like a review of my knowledge of Japanese sushi fishes, glad that our server and chef was very kind and helpful to help me to recognize each type of fish and when they are in season. All I can say you get high quality of fishes and you are getting it for the quality not the quantity!. Chirashi sushi also come with the side of chikuzen-ni (sorta like vegetable stew with chicken) was also delicious.

Out of my curiousness, I decided to check their dinner menu out. Their dinner menu consists of the set menu, and Omakase style dinner too. Its pretty good value consider you are getting everything from appetizer to dessert. On top of the regular menu, they also have a daily special menu which consists of the fresh fish delivered from Japan and more.

I just can't wait for them to release their summer special menu. This place is small so it may be packed. If you have a large party, I recommend you to call ahead and make reservation. More pictures of this restaurant can be found in my own blog which is in my profile.