Sushi Ichi, Ma Jasmin's, Mother Moo, Salju

Welcome to Meanwhile, In SGV a regular feature in which TC, our fearless leader in all things San Gabriel Valley, brings word of restaurant openings, closings, and other unsung, curious neighborhood goings on.

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1) Pasadena: After six years of sushi-ing at Japon Bistro and gaining a legion of followers, chef Ichiro, born in Nagasaki, quietly opened Sushi Ichi at the old Sushi Osaka space late April. The itamae, having been a household name in the SGV since '96 (at now defunct Kayo Sushi in Monterey Park) promises "Japanese traditional sushi" backed by a quarter century of experience. The front of the house is handled by wife Yuko-san, and omakase starts at $60. This is one of the very few sushi bars in Pasadena with an omakase option and Japanese ownership. 633 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena; 626-395-9977

2) Alhambra: The husband and wife team of Sonny and Sage Sehmi debuted Ma JaSmin's at the Sunday Alhambra Farmers Market in May. Chef Sonny Sehmni, having mucked about many a UK pubs as a chef, hopes to popularize (British) Indian food in the Southland without losing authenticity. In addition to Alhambra, Ma Jasmin's much loved Madras Chicken Kebab can also be found at the Wednesday Barndall Farmers Market. The chef, trained as an automotive designer, is also working on a cookbook with which he promises to make Indian food as ubiquitous as Mexican taquerias. Tall order we think, but the cholay (traditional vegetarian chickpea dish", sold as a prepared meal, is rather fantastic.

3) Sierra Madre: Mothercluck, currently selling "a line of artisanal jams, jellies, and preserves" at the Altadena Urban Farmers Market, will soon expand into the ice cream business. The new enterprise has been named Mother Moo and is set to open at the end of July. Proprietor Karen Klemens, a UC Master Preserver and a graduate of PSU's Ice Cream Short Course, confirmed the ice cream base will be from Straus (so now LA Creamery won't be the only vendor sourcing their dairy for ice cream). Mother Moo will serve as a retail point for Motercluck jams, and there is rumor that Klemens' premium preserves may be offered as ice cream dressing. Mother Moo will serve Mon-Fri 11AM-9PM, Sat and Sun 11AM-10PM. 17 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre

4) Alhambra: The Taiwanese shaved ice obsession has reached a feverish level in Los Angeles. Building on Class 302 and Fluff Ice's popularity, Salju (Indonesian word for snow) is slated to open at the old Pingo space. Here's to Salju carrying durian as a topping! 358 W Valley Blvd., Alhambra
— Tony C