A reader writes in today about her new favorite spot, Izaka-Ya, which opened on 3rd Street near the Beverly Center three weeks ago:
"The restaurant is kiddy corner to Sushi Roku, which I’m sure is going over well. The dining room is similar in vibe to his spot on Ventura in the Valley, only newer looking, also a bit smaller. We sat at the small sushi bar and the service couldn’t have been more attentive. The menu has all the classics from the original, plus some of his heartier dishes from Katsuya in Brentwood. We ate all we could stand and the food was just as good, if not better."It's odd that Izaka-Ya is so similar to the original outposts in the Valley but not named Katsu-ya. Maybe chef/owner Katsuya Uechi sold his soul to Sam Nazarian's SBE Entertainment, who co-owns the newer Katsuya in Brentwood, and he's not allowed to open any more Katsuya(-ya)s? We heard from another reader a couple weeks ago that it's supposedly a cheaper option to his high-priced Katsuya restaurant.
· EaterWire: Izaka-Ya Not Katsu-Ya, Ketchup Still Coming... [Eater LA]
· Secrets of the Ya-Ya [Daily Candy]
