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Shunji, one of Los Angeles’ best sushi restaurants, has partially reopened at its new location in Santa Monica along Ocean Park Boulevard. That means that eponymous chef Shunji Nakao’s stellar, Michelin-level sushi is now available again for Westside diners, though only as a set menu takeout box — for now. On the reservation app Tock, Shunji is selling $103 omakase sets that come with 15 pieces of nigiri and a single hand roll; sake is also available for sale.
Late last year Shunji was forced to move from its longtime Pico Boulevard location over to 3003 Ocean Park Boulevard to accommodate the redevelopment of its now-former building. That Pico property, formerly a Chili Bowl restaurant location that was actually shaped like a chili bowl, has been held up by some conservationists as a prime example of mimetic architecture that should not be redeveloped, but preserved instead. Either way, Shunji is out and now up and running in Santa Monica, with plans to open its dining room sometime very soon, potentially even next week.
Pretzel party
The Olly’s Pretzels stand is taking over the park at Platform in Culver City on Saturday, with a beer garden blowout that includes sausages and sauerkraut from Flatpoint Barbecue and beer from Boomtown Brewery.
More fried chicken
Honeybird is now open in Claremont at 175 N. Indian Hill Boulevard. The fried chicken (and more) specialist first opened in La Cañada and has since expanded to USC Village as well.
The cart has arrived
Check out the new cart for Calabama, LA’s favorite breakfast sandwich bucket dropper. The mobile setup means more out-of-the-house pop-ups for owner Cara Haltiwanger.
A party in the Arts District
Kensho Ryokan, formerly the Firehouse hotel and restaurant in the Arts District, is hosting a Deco Boko Market pop-up on October 9 and 10. The weekend marketplace will exclusively feature Japanese products, from kitchen supplies to music. As for the property itself, expect a wider opening (with restaurant and hotel stays) next year.
Jon Yao’s big week
In a week of Michelin stars and news, chef Jon Yao of Kato has also earned his own recognition from the famed tire company. Michelin made Yao the 2021 Young Chef award recipient for the state of California.
Growing towards a new future
Fatima’s Grill, Downey’s most famous restaurant, is still rolling with expansion plans that include, among others, the city of Bell, California. Check out early renderings of the upcoming space below.
