I know it’s been awhile since I updated but I guess that’s a sign of a good vacation when you don’t care about checking email, fB, Twitter or the stock market (okay I did check stocks). We are working hard to launch this clothing line so the blog updates haven’t been as often as I want. December is one of those months where nearly every day is preplanned with something.

I’ll leave you with a picture of these two morsels of Japanese heaven: not steak, these are actually the biggest, freshest, tastiest pieces of fatty tuna, Toro, at Daiwa in Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market. We also got Aburi Toro (seared Toro) but they told us they have a no photo policy. I would return to Japan just for this.

There are so many places in LA that are expensive for the sake of being expensive and make no apologies for the bad food; Katsuya is not one of them. There might be a miss thrown in with the hits, but overall the food is very good. Watch what you order because yes this place is expensive, but there are a lot of small plate options that are borderline cheap ($3-7) considering the establishment. The drinks are really expensive (“that’s how they get ya”) so don’t go crazy. Oh, and don’t come with a large group or you’ll all be wondering how the hell the bill got so big. Don’t be scurred, the experience is very worth it. You are trying to close the deal right?

Make it look like you know what you are doing and order a couple Italian Proseccos, skip edamame, and start with the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño & Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice before you even open the menu. The albacore sushi is good & salmon skin hand roll is big, but skip the normal sushi and go straight for any of the Katsuya Signatures. I’ve tried half of the Signatures and they have all been very good. The Robata selections are also really good, so order a couple. You have to try the Teba Chicken Wings though, I love chicken wings and would say these are some of the best chicken wings I’ve ever had; better than Furaibo on Sawtelle. The Miso Cod is off the charts. It’s no joke when the menu states “unparalleled flavor”. You might be tempted to order, but I don’t think the Special Katsuya Roll nor Kobe Filet with Foie Gras are worth the money.

Is Katsuya pretentious? Not really. The staff does an excellent job of making you feel welcome. Even if they are carrying food, they move aside and smile as you walk by; try that at Geisha House. As with any place in LA, don’t go on a Friday or Saturday night if you want the best experience; even Coffee Bean can throw attitude during peak hours.