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!

Actually, I’ve still never been. But my friend brought over a brown baker’s box brimming full of various crossaints and two chilled creme brulees. i must say, these were so delicious, it ruined my dinner! I especially love their cheese crossaint “sticks”.. it has a sweet cream cheese center on an ever to perfetly lightly sweeted glazed and flakey crossaint

very spacious, clean, and a huge parking lot compared to the king tacos in los angeles. hands down 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.

Pros: food (portions), spacious & clean, parking

Cons: too many fat people