Ga-Ga over Sa-Sa-bune on Sawtelle

Although a great experience in its own rite...while I was living in the Midwest, I was really starving for the rich diversity of peoples, cultures, cuisines, life that I've always known as Los Angeles.

Nothing compares to home, that's for sure. And being away from home, I've been hungry for some real food - which explains my recent obsession with finding good eats in the city, hidden gems, and just enjoying everything that the city has to offer.

The other night, I relived this newfound appreciation for the city when I had a most fabulous, eye-rolling in the back of my head sushi dinner with my old supervisor who's in town from said Midwest. It's funny. I knew that I had it good living in LA before I left, but I don't think you really, truly understand how good it is until you leave. What's that old adage? "You don't know how good something is until it's gone?" Well, that lesson hit me hard after my first winter, after my care package of Japanese staples that my dear mum sent me ran out (no more instant ramen - the good kind, no more packaged nori, no more instant yakisoba, no more rice crackers, no more furikake), and after my first experience eating out - only to have frozen thawed tuna at a local sushi restaurant. You know the kind, bright pink, a bit fishy, not so fresh - but "fresh" considering the state I was in. The only state with the largest amount of coastline not touching salt water. Good ol' Michigan.

But anyway, my dinner companion and his wife shared similar sentiments, used to the luxuries of living along the eastern coastline. So when he mentioned that he'd be in town and wanted to have dinner, I knew that I would take him to one of my most favorite sushi restaurants: Sushi Sasabune. This was my home, my neighborhood, my city. My chance to turn on the charm and highlight only the BEST that the city has to offer...

Having experienced Chef Nobi Kusuhara's set omakase sushi menu once before, I knew that we would be in for a real treat! I called ahead to make reservations to sit at the U-shaped sushi bar. After calling twice to move our reservation back because of a delayed flight and LA traffic, we were graciously accommodated and seated at the end of the bar where we had a great view to absorb the well oiled machine that is Sushi Sasabune.

We arrived a little past 8 - prime time for sushi and sake - and the place was packed! The restaurant itself sits almost hidden on the corner of Sawtelle and Nebraska. As you walk or drive by, you can see a neon sign that conspicuously reads "Sushi." You would never know that you'd find a real gem inside just by the looks of the exterior of this restaurant.

I watched the tenacious drive and focus of Kusuhara as he quickly cut each piece of fresh fish behind the bar. You could tell that he was strictly business, and I wanted to take a picture of him in action but was too shy to do so and didn't want to distract him or slow him down. Instead, I turned my attention to each slice of fish, each flavor of the sauces, and each grain of warm lightly vinegared sushi rice.

We started with a plate of albacore sashimi with diced green onions in a light, citrus based soy sauce. Then had a series of sushi...fresh salmon with a slice of light seaweed kelp and sesame seeds, sweet cooked butterfish in a nigiri roll, melt in your mouth yellowtail...and ended the night with a warm blue crab hand roll that left your palate satisfied. The only sushi that didn't wow my mouth was the scallop. I think I was looking for more taste or pizzazz with that one. Instead, it melted with a rather bland flavor, even after I had it with a bit of wasabi and soy sauce.

Not your trendy foo foo sushi restaurant, the walls hang signs that read Kusuhara's manifesto: "Trust me" and "Absolutely no spicy tuna rolls, california rolls." I love it. Simple, raw, and unadulterated. Absolutely one of the best I've ever had - just as fresh as the fish I get from my family's. Lucky me - I have an uncle-in-law who supplies us with the freshest sashimi! (I can't wait until our next family potluck!)

In any event, for anyone who loves sushi - Sushi Sasabune is a must! Omakase and sake for two with a 20% tip came out to about $130. Not an everyday meal out, but definitely a worthwhile treat!

Sushi Sasabune in West LA
Street: 11300 Nebraska St. (corner of Sawtelle)
T: 310.268.8380
Hrs:Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm; Closed Sat-Sun
Street Parking only