Sushi of Gari - Hollywood

Photo by Sushi of Gari

 Now Open in Hollywood!

I was first introduced to Sushi of Gari years ago in NYC.

A friend invited me for omakase at a Japanese restaurant.

Omakase is "chef's choice" in Japanese,

meaning, the chef will serve the very best of the day.

Owner Chef Masatoshi "Gari" Sugio became a sushi chef in

Japan at the age of 19.  He was drawn to the artistic and

culinary world of sushi.  Years later, he opened his own

restaurant in NYC.

 I was invited to a media preview of their new

Hollywood location.  

It's not a very large space,

maybe 11-12 seats at the sushi bar,

and 6 tables (accommodating 2-4 people).

There's also a private room.

 Besides great fish,

the beverages are top notch too.

How about an $800 bottle of 
Dassai Junmai Daiginjo "Beyond"?

Photo by True Sake

In case you were wondering, 

here's what an $800 bottle of sake looks like.

It's waaaay Beyond me...

Gari san's logo

on the band around the chopsticks

The first time I had sushi at Sushi of Gari in NYC,

I wasn't expecting sauces or elaborate toppings, 
other than soy sauce, ponzu, or green onions.

When the first piece arrived in front of me,

my first thought was, why is there a tomato

on top of the fish?

It worked and it was all very good.

Although I've had numerous omakase

experiences, I knew this would truly be different.

We were invited to sample

six of chef Gari's Signature Sushi.

 (L)  BF Tuna w/creamy tofu puree

(C)  Japanese Red Snapper w/baby greens, pine nuts,

crispy lotus root and a wasabi-olive oil

(R)  Salmon with sautéed tomato and a sweet onion sauce

Not your typical nigiri sushi

(Back Row, Left)  Chu-Toro BF Tuna with grated Daikon and Ponzu

(Back Row, Right)  Seared Black Cod with miso garlic 

(Front)  Blow-torched Fluke w/poached quail egg, sweet onion sauce,

and White Truffle oil

All were Amazing!

As you can see, these pieces probably don't look like

the sushi at your favorite sushi bar.

Gari san takes pride in creating original sauces

and topping to enhance the individual fish served
to his customers.  But, it doesn't overpower
the flavor of the fish.  Good job
and I'm glad you're here!

"Welcome to Hollywood!
What's your dream?  Everybody comes here;
this is Hollywood, land of dreams.
Some dreams come true, some don't;
but keep on dreamin' - this is Hollywood.
Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin' "

~ Pretty Woman

Click HERE to view the a la carte sushi menu/prices

Arigato!

Kouske Ueyama

Only in Hollywood

Sushi of Gari

NOTE:  I was an invited guest of Sushi of Gari.

I thank them for their invitation and hospitality.

All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

Photos by Jay Terauchi

unless noted

Jay Eats Worldwide

©Jay Terauchi