Easy Breezy - Los Angeles, CA (March 2011)

The job called me to L.A. in late March and I stayed at the JA Marriott at LA Live. This place is brand spanking new. The area is filled with restaurants, shops and a little spot known as the Staples Center. I finished up my work one night and headed to Katsuya for dinner. I knew I wanted something fresh and delish, and I knew sushi meant perfect seating for one a la sushi bar. I sat down in an atmosphere that begged for subtle people watching and ordered myself a drink.

My bartender was kind and thoughtful. I picked the Bellini. Something about champagne after a long day.
It was delicious. Not too sweet, but conicidentally complimentary to the sushi I had. Originally my bartender suggested the Baked Crab Roll, a specialty starter on the menu (snow crab lightly kissed w/ Chef's signature sauce wrapped with rice in soy paper). I said yes please, and he submitted my order with pride. Almost immediately, he returend to break the news that the soy paper was out of stock due to Lady Gaga's pre-concert crowd only an hour before. He admitted the dish really wouldn't be the same. Seeing my slow sulk of culinary sadness set in, he offered another suggestion and a free bellini. Sold. I had the Spicy Albocore Sashimi with Crispy Onion instead. Sweet Jesus this was good, especially with the bellini. The flavor of the onion wept over the perfectly flavor-tuned tuna. Rich but clean. So good. I also dabbled in an order of Hamachi (yellowtail) sushi, b/c I always do.

It was the perfect party of one. Apparently it looked like I sent out invitations, b/c I was joined in true LA style by the smooth styles of a young gentleman and his two friends. The party shut down quickly, but it ended in a Facebook friendship. Solid gold.

Though my radius was small and I didn't venture far, I had a great time.

Where have you been in La-la land that has catered to your solitary sipping? Let it be heard, right here...

-Katsuya LA Live-
800 W. Olympic Blvd.