Sugarfish By Sushi Nozawa (Santa Monica)

When I compare and contrast the quality of food from coast to coast there are a few dishes that can be debated on, some you call even, and others where it is not even a question. When it comes to Sushi there is no doubt in my mind that the west coast reigns supreme. While there can be many different reasons why this is so I believe the proximity to its origin is the most germane.

One of the several restaurants that stick to its Japanese roots is Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa. The restaurant was founded by Kazunori Nozawa who retired earlier this year after 47 years of service. Nozawa began his tremendous career in Japan cleaning dishes and washing plates as he worked his way up the ladder. During his stay he spent a good deal of time traveling the vast regions of Japan learning to prepare different cuts of fish.

(Image via Yelp)

After opening up a restaurant in Tokyo with his family he moved to California to share this amazing cuisine. His first shop opened in Studio City and as his popularity grew Mr. Nozawa sprawled out to various other locations in the Los Angeles region. His retirement this past February was a blow to the culinary world and I for one am sad that I did not get to visit the Studio City location which closed shortly after.

On the Brightside his teachings were passed down and remain ingrained in the remaining restaurants, one of which I visited this past week. As I strolled down 2^nd street on a cool Thursday afternoon I could not wait to experience a traditional sushi dinner. Once I arrived my eyes were dazzled by lovely fixtures which lined the walls.

Since the restaurant takes no reservations it is up to you to make the best judgment on when to go. I expected a mild wait on a Thursday night but was pleasantly surprised when I was told it would only take 10-15 minutes. Before I knew it we were being seated in a cozy little both with the menus right in front of us.

For those who are unaware of what traditional sushi is I can sum it up with one quick phrase, it’s all about fish. Most of us have been exposed to the Americanization of this Japanese delicacy with rolls filled with an abundant amount of different toppings which is then submerged in soy sauce. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that type of sushi I feel like it takes away from the true meaning and even masks the flavor of fish to a large extent.

(Salmon, Yellowtail, and Tuna Sashimi)

At this restaurant everything is about both the quality of the fish and rice. What makes it great is that Mr. Nozawa has designed the menu to be friendly to both experienced and novice eaters. For the latter you can choose one of three samplings of sushi which are called Trust Me, Trust Me/Lite, and The Nozawa. We decided to split the Nozawa which consists of organic edamame, tuna sashimi, albacore, salmon, snapper, yellowtail, halibut, a tono hand roll, blue crab hand roll, and the daily special which was seared scallops that day.   

Our meal began by nibbling on the edamame and sipping some cold sake. After a couple of minutes the plates began to come out. Once a plate was placed on our table the waiter would give a quick presentation of what the fish was and if it had any sauce on it. In the case of the latter it is advised that you do not add any soy sauce. Throughout the meal I used little to no soy sauce because I wanted to fully enjoy each cut of fish. I also ate a slice of ginger after each piece to refresh my pallet.

(Tono Hand Roll)

As our meal progressed I could not help but notice how each dish exceeded its predecessor.  It was as if Chef Nozawa designed the courses to resemble a roller-coaster of flavor. Each piece brought me to new heights and just when I would think the ride is over I would be blown away yet again. 

Overall I have nothing but great things to say about my experience here. The sushi is fantastic, it sticks to its traditional roots and it the price tag will not kill you. The servers were both reliable and informative and the ambiance was soothing. If you are in the area and in the mood for sushi I would recommend making this your destination. 

Tender Greens (Santa Monica)

I must apologize yet again for my rash inconsistency since moving to LA. The transition has been rough, odd, fulfilling, and suspenseful all of which have caused a number of my former hobbies to take a back seat. Another more pertinent reason is the high cost on the west side of Los Angeles which tends to inflate the price for everything as you may discover in this post. Even with all of these barriers I am consistently trying to rekindle my passion with writing and critiquing food.

Now that I am done complaining we can proceed to our next stop. Tender Greens is a local chain of restaurants catering to the stereotypical Southern California resident. They serve a wide variety of salads, sandwiches and small platters consisting of healthy locally grown organic produce. Luckily the closest location is right off the famous 3rd Street Promenade which is walking distance from both my home and work.

My first experience came during an impromptu lunch gathering on a Friday afternoon. The choice was surprising because my coworkers don't come off as being very health conscious. Regardless I welcomed the opportunity to try something new. Once we arrived we were greeted by a line walking out the door which is not surprising due to the high volume of people the neighborhood attracts.

While in line we basked in the gorgeous 75 degree sunlight with a mild breeze while scanning the menu. Before I knew it I was in front of the attendant who takes orders. Still unsure of what to get I happened to randomly pick the grilled octopus salad. Once you place in order you are subjected to walk along the open kitchen in an act of culinary torture. As I walked passed all the different food being prepared I could not help but second guess my decision.

At the end of the line I was presented my salad along with a fresh lemonade I had to go with it. Once I paid we ruthlessly searched for a place to sit in the chaos that is the lunch rush. We were lucky to scrounge a table in their outside patio area. The salad is rather large which is a good thing since it costs $11. I was given a generous portion of octopi which went well with the grilled lemon vinaigrette that is was topped with. Basking in the gorgeous sun on an October afternoon I could not help but reminisce of my weekly visits to Sweetgreen for a light salad followed by a walk along the Waterfront in Georgetown.

(Chipotle Barbeque Chicken Salad) 

Enjoying my first experience I decided that spending my next Friday afternoon here would be ideal. When the day rolled by to my utter surprise it was a sunny cloudless day (get the massive amount of sarcasm). The line wasn't as hectic this go around which was a pleasant surprise. When it was my time to order I decided to order the chipotle barbeque chicken salad as well as a pomegranate lemon bar to treat myself for a hard week of work.

Once I was finished the culinary death march I was presented my food which made me $18 poorer. The salad consisted of romaine hearts, avocado, queso fresco, green onion, and crispy tortilla strips all topped off with a cilantro lime dressing. It was light and refreshing as expected, you can really tell the ingredients are of the highest quality.

(Pomegranate Lemon Bar)

After finishing my salad I proceeded to the lemon bar. While my time here has been short I can easily say this is one of the best things I have eaten in LA so far and one of the best snacks I have ever eaten. Each pomegranate seed burst with a tsunami of flavor that jolted my senses and matched well with the sweetness of the lemon. I am not much of a sweets person as you may know but I will definitely have this again in the near future. 

 All in all I am pleased with this restaurant. The food is good but pricy for me to go to everyday. The lines can be long but it is well worth it. When you go you can get a salad, a sandwich of sorts or a platter which consists of a meat (or tuna) with some delicious mashed potatoes and a side salad. A must try if you are in the mood for healthy food in the Santa Monica area. 

James' Beach

When contemplating the venue of my first post in my new city I thought, what food do people think of when you mention Southern California? I think fish tacos, a dish that has a special place in my heart. I have come across this dish multiple times during food explorations and continue to sample the different renditions for the purpose of experiencing the culinary bliss that it brings me. 

My undying passion for this simple meal made me search near and far for restaurants that serve the best fish tacos around.  This odyssey let me to James' Beach which is said to serve the best fish tacos in Southern California. Nestled in the middle of Venice James' Beach is most known for its prominence in the film I love You Man. In the movie one of the characters claims that this specific restaurant serves the best fish tacos in California, a line which was put in by the director who truly believes this.

(Image via Yelp) 

Having seen this movie back when I was living in DC I never really though of keeping a note to try this place when. Even after I moved it didn't occur to me to try this place until my friend commented on a 4square check-in asking if this was the place from I Love You Man.

After this I made it a priority to visit this restaurant. Unfortunately a combination of not having a job or very many friends delayed the visit. Once I was finally able to go I made the short drive from Santa Monica to Venice. Despite the fact that traffic was backed up on a Tuesday night I full of joy and anticipation.

In the back of my mind I envisioned a line filled with hoards of tourists going for the same precise reason as I was. Being the victim of a number of tourist traps I could only think how long the wait would be and the possible conversations being struck up or people blurting out quotes like THIS IS MY NIGHTMARE or where's Pistol Pete? To my surprise I did not see any of that. In fact the restaurant was mostly empty which had me guessing that something may be up.

 (Carrot and Jicama plate)

Once seated we ordered a round of drinks and were given a complimentary dish of fresh carrots and jicama to nibble on as we scanned the menu. In this case there was no need for that since I came for one reason. Once our server came I informed her that I wanted the famous fish tacos which were the special that day.

Before I could even start to crave the dish it appeared before my eyes. The presentation is a bit unorthodox but I really liked it. Instead of being wrapped with all the ingredients you are given all the components to prepare the tacos as you please. With a tortilla in my hand I began to ration my fish out. I then added the pico de gallo and guacamole which was all drizzled with a bit of salsa verde. I then topped it all off with a light coating of salt, pepper and a drip of tabasco sauce.

(Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos)

Once my concoction was built I began to nibble while I waited for my senses to fully register the flavors and relay it to my brain. My initial thoughts were how well seasoned the fish was. What followed was the same feeling of joy that comes every time I eat fish tacos. Having enough to make three tacos I played with the flavor combinations. I found that excluding the guacamole really brought out the most in contrasting flavors, especially between the salsa verde and Mahi Mahi. 

After our meal was finished I came across the seemingly impossible question. Where these the best fish tacos I have ever had? If you diligently read my posts this question appears over and over again and my answer is yet change. While these tacos were great it is almost impossible for me to stand here and declare these as the best. Even though I have sampled this dish a great number of times I still have a ways to go before I can proclaim this dish as the best I have ever had. That does not however mean that these tacos weren't extraordinary because they really were.

In conclusion James' Beach good restaurant. The interior takes the touristy look and somehow makes it look really cute. The service was fantastic and the drinks were good. The prices were a bit on the steep side so I would stick to the daily specials. I only hope to come in next time and spot Pistol Pete and Joben drunkenly cracking jokes next to me while we both enjoy some fantastic tacos.   

IceBerry

Over the past couple of years Cupcakes have been in vogue. The advent of the show Cupcake Wars on Food Network has only increased the demand for those delicious treats. At the same time a similar food craze hit the DC area.

Frozen yogurt has dug it's own niche with a number of different shops opening up all over the DC region. The appeal to frozen yogurt as opposed to cupcakes is their dietary quality. Frozen yogurt is low in calories, fat-free and gluten free all of which can not be said about most cupcakes. The main shortfall of frozen yogurt is that it is a seasonable treat.

Now that weather is getting nice I have decided to put my cupcake binge on hold and go for the more healthy option. Since I work in Georgetown I have the unfortunate burden of having to live in the mecca of cupcakes so resisting the urge to eat them on a regular basis is an arduous task.

Luckily there are a few other options when it comes to snacks or desserts. I chose to try IceBerry which is located right on M St.. This frozen yogurt chain offers a variety of flavors piled high with a number of toppings that taylor to different crowds. If you are a health freak you have the option of picking fresh fruit or if you are like me you can top it off with fruity pebbles, cookies or even gummy bears.

My most recent visit came late last month on an unusually warm afternoon. I wasn't that hungry so I decided to skip lunch and have something small and healthy. The warm weather put me in the mood for something cold and refreshing so the first thing that came to mind was frozen yogurt. I ordered a original flavor with strawberries and fruity pebbles. It was both light and refreshing, it definitely hit the spot and did not damage to my midsection.

(Original Flavor with strawberries and fruity pebbles)

If you are not a fan for frozen yogurt I am also please to inform you that they have smoothes which are both delicious and healthy. I have tried the strawberry banana and kiwi, both of which I enjoyed.

In reality it is hard to judge frozen yogurt shops because of their vast similarities. Because of this I believe people have to nit pick on several nuances. The most popular complaint from this establishment is their customer service or lack their of. On the 4 occasions I have gone here I did not come across anything that resembles this inefficiency but I will keep it in mind and let you know about it beforehand.

All in all IceBerry is a solid place that is convenient for me. So if you are in the Georgetown area on a warm day you should try to avoid the massive lines at the three cupcake behemoths and give this place a shot. Not only will your wait time decrease, your waist line will too.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Grill

Since when was going to the bookstore cool? Aside from the prodigal student, the Starbucks junkie or a grad student most people would not go out of their way to spend an extended period of time in a bookstore. But this notion is evicerated when you spend some time at Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Gill.

Located right off Dupont Circle this cafe is a beehive of activity. Whether it be on a Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning or even a Friday night there is always a sizable crowd gathered at Kramerbooks. I would know because I have been here on all of the aforementioned times.

(Image brought to you by Brooklyn Nomad)

Taking a look inside you will see a wide variety of literature, from bestsellers and classics to cooking books and book about DC.. Their vast book selection along with long hours and dining options create a heterogeneous cliental which line their shelves every day.I personally love going to look at their selection of humorous literature which have included a parody on Where's Waldo (Osama Bin Laden edition) to a number of books about cats. I also enjoy the local literature as well as their staff's pics.

What separates Kramerbooks from Barnes & Noble is that they have a bar and restaurant. Yes you heard correct a bar, the place where people gather to have a cold one. When I first discovered this I questioned whether it could be a good pairing. I mean you always associate a bookstore with a quiet atmosphere synonomous to your experiences as a child in a public library (back when kids used to go).

(Bookstore)

But I was pleasantly suprised at how well the the two divergent atmospheres blended. I only went the bar once to have a drink with a friend after purchasing a novel. I enjoyed my time there especially because I channeled my inner child and went against the notion of being quiet in a bookstore. Attached to both the bookstore and the bar is a restaurant that offers a wide variety of gourmet food.

Whether it be a small appetizer which they call sharezies, a full meal, or a sweet desert to go along with your reading Kramerbooks offers it patrons with an array of dining options. I have eaten here a number of times and for a number of different occasions. My favorite two times came during some of our more prominent snow storms, I enjoyed a warm class of hot chocolate to go along with the scrumptious macaroni and cheese you see below you.

(Mac & Cheese)

While it was not spectacular in any discernible way it did render a homy feeling. I also enjoyed their mini crab cakes which were fairly delightful. Some of my other favorites include the Mozzarella, tomatoes and capper mini salad as well as their steamed mussels. They also have the distinguished honor of serving the Obama family chili recipe. I myself have not tried it mainly because I am not that big of a chili fan.

(Mini Crab Cake Duo)

Aside from their sharezies Kramerbooks also offer a wide variety of entrees. One of my favorite dishes here is the tuna & avocado salad which you see below. It is both light and refreshing and with a price tag of $14 it is a good deal. I also enjoyed their butternut squash ravioli which was very flavorful.

(Sushi Tuna & Avocado Salad)

While all the food I have tried has meet my standards the only thing that keeps me coming back is their wide variety of delicious desserts. As you can see from the case they offer a wide range of scrumptious pies which are paired with a scoop of ice cream.

Of the various desserts that I have sampled I would have to say my favorites are the apple crumb pie, wild berry pie, and their red velvet cake. These desserts are great on all occasions. Whether you are by yourself reading a book, with a friend or even on a date.

(Assorted Desserts)

The cosy atmosphere along with the food and accompanying patrons truly makes Kramerbooks unique. You shouldn't go here just to visit the bookstore or just to get food and drinks because you may be disappointed. If you focus on a single element you may be swayed to go elsewhere. Instead you should visit this place because you want the full experience of this unique store.

All and all Kramerbooks is a fantastic place to visit. If you want to just look at books then go to Borders, if you want to go to a bar or get some food there are plenty of options available all around. But if you want all these at the same time then go to Kramerbooks. The food is good but a bit pricy, the desserts are awesome, and the book selection is solid. All in al a great place to go any time of day and any day of the week.

Busboys & Poets

In a city obsessed with politics there is always an issue up for debate. Politicians, lobbyists and social rights activists advocate their ideologies year round and everyone in this city is exposed to it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is only necessary that the nature of this town manifests itself into our culture.

This takes us to our next restaurant which in reality is more than a place to eat. Busboys & Poets is a beehive of intellectual thought and debate. The origin of the name pays homage Langston Hughes who was himself a busboy before rising to fame as a poet. Each location is comprised of a restaurant, bookstore and fair trade market with the goal of igniting debate about social justice.

The one I frequently visit is located in the center of the radically gentrified U St. corridor. My visits began when I discovered that this was a location were intellectual thought and debate occurred on a daily basis. Everyday there is a different event promoting thought on an issue that is critical to the world at hand.

Upon entering the 14th and V St. location your eyes will lay witness to a vast library containing books that promote thought, books about DC, or even biographies about prominent social activists. You will also lay your eyes on plush furniture occupied by people who are either striking up a small conversation about current issues or glued to their books and laptops.

As you walk down the dining hall you will enter another private room that holds daily speakers who speak about a wide array of issues. Whether it's civil rights, cultural divides, race, or socioeconomic disparities there is always a debate to be heard.

Busboys & Poets prides itself on promoting healthy and sustainable eating. I try to visit every once in a while to enlighten myself on a hot topic and also indulge in their food which is fantastic. Recently I decided to take my sister who is a fan of their muscles which are cooked in a garlic tomato sauce. Their superb flavor put them on par with Bistro La Bonne's.

(Muscles)

Aside from the environmentally friendly produce that they serve Busboys prides itself on serving some of the best vegan food in town. Before dining here I could never fathom being a vegan. Blinded with ignorance I was like most who thought that lifestyle had limited options when it came to eating. Those notions were mildly relaxed after eating two vegan dishes here.

The first dish I had was a vegan wrap which I ordered during brunch. It consists of tofu which tasted exactly like eggs, as well as vegan bacon and cheese. The dish was delightful and refreshing, you could hardly tell that all these ingredients were vegan. The best way to characterize the brilliance of their vegan dishes is that it is actually quite easy to be a vegan if you could eat here everyday.

(Vegan Wrap)

I am also pleased to say that Busboys & Poets has a fine selection of both organic beers which I had never tried prior to dining here as well as mixed drinks. My favorite drink here is the DC Tap Water which if you have lived here long enough is a very clever pun on a longstanding issue.

(Picture brought to you by Yelp)

I am also a huge fan of their paninis, a favorite of mine is their grilled brie which is topped with spinach, caramelized onions, and tomatoes. I have also had their Tempeh which is a vegan option and the grilled chicken. This particular sandwich oozes with decadence and flavor. I enjoyed it so much that I myself have made a spin off which I will share in the near future.

(Grilled Brie Panini)

All in all Busboys & Poets offers a multitude of options. From great food to food for thought Busboys is a place that needs to be visited on a monthly occasion. Their wide array of events draws a diverse audience. Whether it's a guest speaker, an open mic night, or even an organic beer happy hour there's no reason not to try this place if you have an open mind.

Sushi To Go

Sushi in Georgetown is as scarce as water in the desert. The closing of Benihana last year only exasperated the shortage. During my first week at work my I was greeted with the pleasant news that there was a long-standing sushi restaurant less than a block away from my job.

Sushi To Go is located in a niche spot right along the canal between Thomas Jefferson and 31st St.. Owned by a Korean couple that have been serving the residents of Georgetown for several years.

Since I am a sushi fanatic I decided to give this place a try. I have had several experiences with sushi and tried almost every restaurant in the DC area that serves it. I have also ventured to other cities such as Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles to try this japanese delicacy. I even make my own from time to time.

I walked in and was immediately greeted by the owners. I decided to try the Caterpillar and Alaskan rolls both of which are specialty rolls and an order of squid (Ika). The sushi and one can of coke cost me $18 which expensive in my opinion for take out sushi.

(Caterpillar, Alaska, and Ika)

Sadly the sushi did not live up to my standards and the price tag associated with it exasperated the disappointment I felt. The ingredients were not as fresh and they should have been which rendered a poor meal. While the service was fantastic the food failed to impress me.

I would not recommend going here unless you want a quick and simple California roll or some miso soup. Sadly this means that there is only one good sushi restaurant in all of Georgetown.

Booeymonger

When it comes to sandwiches in Georgetown almost everyones first thought is Booeymonger. This local deli has been serving delicious sandwiches to it's patrons for over 35 years and have since branched out to Friendship Heights and Northern Virginia without skipping a beat.

Located in the heart of Georgetown Booeymonger's is a local hub of activity, whether it be residents, students, or local workers everyone seems to enjoy the sandwiches they serve. I have personally been eating here since grade school and continue to come to this day.

Their menu consists of a number hand crafted concoctions, each tailored to the tastes of patrons that line their restaurant on a daily basis. Whether it be the health conscious patron who orders a Californian, an adventurous carnivore who gets the Fifth Avenue or a vegetarian who choses the Pita Pan Booeymonger's does not discriminate. At times I find myself taking a prolonged period of time to making my decision.

Having two jobs in this area I have had the pleasure of sampling the every sandwich several times. My favorite would have to be the Miami Burger which consists of smoked salmon, cream cheese, lettuce, onions and tomatoes all on a toasted bagel.

(Miami Burger)

It makes a great breakfast or lunch any time of the year. For $7.25 you get a very generous portion of smoked salmon that always tastes fresh. I usually like to pair it with an Orangina or a Snapple on a hot summer afternoon.

Another favorite of mine is the Patty Hearst which is as electrifying as the icon it's named after. It is paradoxical in nature because it offers you with the greasy satisfaction without feeling the after effects. I am also a fan of the Chicken Rico, The Georgetowner, and Booey Wraps which come with potato wedges that are also very tasty.

(Patty Hearst)

If you are too overwhelmed at number of choices or don't find any to meet your taste you can start from scratch and make one of your own. When I find myself in the former predicament I get an everything bagel with chive cream cheese and cucumbers which never disappoints. You can also choose a number of sides including but not limited to macaroni salad, cole slaw, potato salad and hummus.

All of the sandwiches are in the $6-8 range which unfortunately come with no sides, the exception being the Booey Wrap. The lack of combo meals to me is the biggest downside of this place and to this day I don't understand why they don't have that, but their daily specials minimize this complaint. I have yet to try the salads but have heard that they are good and their breakfast menu is great but a bit cliche.

All in all Booeymongers is a great deli, their sandwiches are tremendous and healthy for the most part. The crowds are always lively and the scenery is beautiful (can you find some place in Georgetown that isn't) and the happy hour offers you good cheap beer. The prices are average for Georgetown and the lines can be a bit long, especially during peak lunch hours. Don't bother trying to find a seat during that time you will more than likely find your self waiting. This is a place all sandwich lovers should visit at least once.

Sweetgreen

I thought that I should dedicate my first post to one of my local favorites. Sweetgreen is an eco-friendly salad bar with various locations around the DC area. This chic fast-food restaurant offers an array of health salads with fresh ingredients. You can choose from eight salads or choose to make your own. They also offer gluten-free frozen-yogurt that can be topped with fresh fruit.

I have tried the caesar reggiano, derby cobb (pictured below), guacamole greens, and bondi. I thoroughly enjoyed every salad with the exception of the bondi. Their frozen yogurt offers a delectable and satisfying alternative to sugary and fat dessert. Sweetgreen strives on offering it's customers with healthy choices and being eco-friendly by having everything in their store comply with green standards. From their recycled utensils to their furniture Sweetgreen is ideal location for the enviornmentally conscience or anyone looking to get a quick healthy meal.

(Derby Cobb Wrap with Watermelon Lemonade)

Although a bit pricy (around $10 for a meal) I highly recommend this place to everyone who enjoys healthy food. On a side note the drinks are interesting, although I tried the watermelon lemonade I would not recommend it.