Jay Eats Worldwide

As part of the 130th Anniversary of Little Tokyo (2014), I've been spending time visiting some of my old favorite places and being introduced to new ones in Little Tokyo.  One of my favorites for sushi is Oomasa Restaurant on the 1st Street entrance to Japanese Village Plaza. Oomasa Restaurant Located at the entrance to Japanese Village Plaza, just off of 1st Street One of the participating restaurants of the 2014 Taste of Little Tokyo Read my 2014 Taste of Little Tokyo HERE See What Jay Eats... When I do visit Oomasa, I usually come in for sushi  Halibut Sushi with salt and yuzukosho This is my favorite way to eat white fish, add a squeeze of lemon too... Spanish Mackerel Santa Barbara Sea Urchin  It was very good, but then again I've had really good seafood here. Ending the meal with the head of the  Santa Barbara  Sweet Shrimp in miso soup Man cannot live on sush...

As part of the 130th Anniversary of Little Tokyo, I've started to take a look at some of the hidden gems in the Downtown area.  For those who have followed my food adventure know that I grew up not to far from here.  We would come to Little Tokyo for dinner and to shop.  A lot of the shops are now gone, but a few of the food places are still around.  One of the places which has been open for over 40 years is Suehiro Cafe. Ginger Beef Friday Lunch Special with rice and miso soup $4.20  Suehiro Cafe on 1st Street between San Pedro and Central Ave. I love that they stay open late and have a variety of dishes and sushi rolls at night. See their menu HERE See What Jay Eats... Zaru Soba (cold buckwheat noodles) $8.50 with vegetable gyoza and rice $3.00 Kappa Maki (cucumber roll)  $3.50 Sushi is served after 6 pm It's also one of the 2014 Taste of Little Tokyo restaurants Read my...

As part of the 130th Anniversary of Little Tokyo, I'd like to explore some of the places off the beaten path that are part of what I consider Hidden in Little Tokyo.  First is Fu-ga Izakaya & Bar on San Pedro Street, between 1st and 2nd streets. Fu-Ga is downstairs off of San Pedro Street Also participating in the Taste of Little Tokyo Get your Stamp HERE!  A modern interior that goes with the menu Izakaya  is a place to eat and drink in a casual setting. Fu-ga serves a wide range of sushi rolls, grilled meats, salads, and has a small plate menu. Open for lunch too...   Speaking of sushi I saw Jiro Ono there, the famed sushi master from "Jiro Dreams of Sushi"  Let me explain...  OK, he was on the TV monitors while I was there. He wasn't there in person... They have some private rooms available What's an izakaya without good cocktails? A Premium Cocktai...

In celebration of Little Tokyo's 130th Anniversary, a restaurant event will take place  April 25 to May 4, 2014 at many restaurants and shops in Little Tokyo.  As a fun way to track your visits at various Little Tokyo restaurants, pick up a stamp sheet in the April 2014 issue of Little Tokyo magazine.  130th Anniversary of Little Tokyo When I think of Little Tokyo, I think of the small family owned places that just served good food. Many have been here a long time and others are somewhat new. An anchor at the Japanese Village Plaza for many years... They have a great sushi selection and a favorite in Little Tokyo Spanish Mackerel Sushi So, how does this Taste of Little Tokyo work? Pick up The Little Tokyo magazine at a one of the many Little Tokyo locations. Visit a participating restaurant between April 25 and May 4, 2014. The participating restaurants range from Izakaya to Ramen...   I...