In the past I’ve learned to hate over hyped restaurants. They are almost always certainly “over” hyped and a disappointment. When I saw the gobs of wanna be Hollywood hipsters spilling out of, and trying to get into, the newly opened Katsuya on Hollywood Blvd, I thought to myself, ewww. I won’t be going there.
But then other foodie friends kept asking if I had gone yet, telling me how great it was. I would shrug, and say no thanks, not my scene. I prefer my sushi from hole in the wall, non-descript, mini-mall sushi joints in Little Tokyo. You know the kind, where they cut live scallops out of the shell, plop it on a ball of rice and serve you the freshest scallop you’ve ever feasted on.
But indeed, the restaurant is beautiful inside, the food is creative and just as attractive and tasty as its clientèle. The place is filled with first dates, groups of dolled up girls and guys, and people who like the words crunch, seared and fried tempura when it comes to eating sushi.
I’m not being pretentious, it’s not that I mind it either, and they do have the traditional sashimi and sushi on the menu if that’s what you want. But how can you avoid ordering delectable creations of spicy albacore sashimi covered in crispy onions ($16), oversized almond crusted scallops served with sea salt and a lemon wedge ($15), decadent crab and mozzarella carefully surrounded in tempura then deep fried to a golden brown ($11), or exquisite seared crispy pods of white rice topped with spicy tuna ($12)?
Even their rolls were glammed up like a group of 20 somethings out on a Friday night. The Baked Shrimp Roll ($12), with baked shrimp covered with dynamite sauce served atop a spicy tuna roll was wonderful. The BSC Roll, baked scallops oozing with dynamite sauce served over a California roll, was a hit at the table.
The service was excellent, although the hostess(es) somehow managed not to crack a smile. Say cheese, it’s not that hard. It was a great experience, but I still wouldn’t touch that place with a ten foot tuna poll on the weekend.
Katsuya
6300 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA, 90028
(323) 871-8777
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