troJane "i like to wine and grub"

This Japanese palace located in the Hollywood Hills sets the mood for a romantic get-a-way date in the busy congested city. Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the restaurant, complete with bridges, a glowing pagoda, and of course the city-lit view of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Also, for those following.. Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed on-site, i believe as the Kyoto teahouse (?).

The restaurant is actually tucked away off Franklin Avenue, so please take caution. They provide (but charge) for valet service, and there are no short-cuts, being a residential area. The entrance is the view, and offers prime location to see the sunset.

My date reserved a seat in the Koi Room, facing the Garden Court. This is situated in the center of the restaurant and offers privacy, as well as extensive service. And of course, the service being professional, courteous, and attentive.

Mind you, this restaurant’s menu boasts asian fusion (one of the firsts to do so, might I say) with some Sushi choices. So, I rated it accordingly… if you want steak, go to a steakhouse. if you want fish, go to a seafood restaurant. But if you want to impress your date with the location, beautifully-executed-but-smaller-portion fares, and your know-how of this restaurant.. Yamashiro is the place.

My raised glass goes to the Chef, Jason Park, whose CalAsian cuisine is the perfect blend of aesthetics and taste. Also to the Sushi Chef, Joe Cubangbang, as I hear the sushi displays are quite stunning.

We started off with Yamashiro Crispy Chicken (comparable to Grand Lux Caramel Chicken, upscale version of Panda Express Orange Chicken, and prettier version of Korean/Chinese Ggam Poong Ghee) but provided extra crunch w/ the rice-cracker coating. The accompanying cabbage slaw was of nothing spectacular.

For dinner, i ordered the Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast and my date the Wagyu “Kobe” Ribeye (since I couldn’t eat mushrooms, they substituted with another vegetable.. can’t recall at this moment). The Chicken was a fancy terryaki dish and the Ribeye was their version of steak & potatoes. Surprisingly, it filled us up.

For Dessert, we chose the Trio of Sorbet. I remember it being Grapefruit, Passionfruit (or Guava), and something else. It was delish for us sorbet lovers. Actually, we were really looking forward to their crepe, but it was a special not offered that night.

For other dishes offered at Yamashiro, please see the “menu” for Price and Description, as I have copied it off their official menu. There are specials and seasonal items that may not be listed. Enjoy your dates!

It’s my favorite all-you-can-eat-BbQ, beats all those junky korean places and even Fogo de Chao.

it’s a stylish intimate location with ample free parking in the back. unexpectedly located in the center of ktown (western/ wilshire) but serving the most succulent, flavorful meat for an all-you-can-eat. plus, great service. If you tell them your favorite, it’ll be promptly brought out.

I recommend the garlic beef & polish sausage. The bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a bit tough for me. Oddly, it’s been such at every visit.

the salad bar is above average, and has all your veggie cravings. they have a cold & hot selection. i load up on the pico de gallo, try a little of the mashed yucca and fried bananas. but i’d advise you to stick with the churrasco

at least once, order the guarana soda (pricey redbull alternative at $3/ can) and get your unlimited helping of those cheese puff/breads. Mm

http://www.m-grill.com/

i know, it’s a restaurant/ lounge with limited menu servicing Hollywood.. but surprisingly, they have top notch mac n cheese. i revisited it twice for that heavenly gooey-ness. so, i’ve been able to sample most of their menu. sides are ordered separately, but i highly recommend you do so.. my top choices being the Mac n cheese (of course), and creamed spinach.

thumbs up to their complimentary “bread”.. which is actually a basket of crackers, breadsticks, and such.. served with hummus for dipping. Mmm~

also, the bathroom stalls are made of glass. but frosted in such that you can’t “really” see inside. haha. what a trip

the cons are the same for all other hollywood restaurants.. the pricey valet, the traffic, the shi-shi-ness. but most girls love this type of place.

very trendy little venue, perfect pre-clubbing stop.. delicious fusion finger foods, full bar, and totally shi-shi atmosphere. check out the pictures

http://www.minibarlounge.com/

been here twice. once with & once without reservations. either way. was treated with great service. but of course, we were ordering way more than normal (5 plates for 2 people.. haha)

make sure to get the yucca bread! (the reason why i got to brazilian BbQs)

hands down.. the best carne asada tacos and burritos. carne asada nacho cheese is to die for. plus the service is quick. did i mention that they are very generous on the meat, perfectly marinated (with a hint of lime), red hotsauce is very spicy (the weak, beware) and green sauce makes your meal taste fresh. i order pineapple juice (pina) which compliments the meal quite well. feel free to ask for extra (& i mean extra) onions/cilantro or hotsauce.

i literally lived off this while attending USC Pharmacy School. yess. i’m crazy

Pros: food (portions), spacious & clean

Cons: small parking lot

Nothing special here.. but if you’re craving one of the franchise’s drinks or snacks, it’s quite convenient having a location in Cerritos