Once upon a time, there was a wall with magical eyes. It spied you as you drove or walked by. And eyes were everywhere, as if mysterious cyclops were hidden behind the bright, bold colors in its urban alley.
Then one day, the eyes were gone. And MS was very sad, for it was his favorite wall.
He was sad, that is, until we walked along the Santa Monica Promenade one summer evening. We never thought we'd see the eyes again, but stopped short at a small kiosk that was staring at us with those same very eyes. Luckily, we stumbled upon The Art of Chase, and were able to meet the artistic genius behind the wide-eyed creatures that could be found around the city.
So when MS and I had dinner before a show at Daichan Japanese Soul Food Restaurant in Studio City and saw those familiar eyes, we snapped this photo.
Rarely do I find myself out in the Valley. But because we planned to watch my friend's standup comedy show at the Aura Club in Studio City, MS took me to "one of the best udon restaurants in LA." Too bad it was a warm summer evening, and I was in no mood for hot noodles.
He didn't know the name of this small restaurant in an even smaller corner strip mall. But he navigated well, and we were seated promptly at a table for two after a couple of diners had left. It was only about 5pm, and the quaint little Japanese restaurant was already busy with hungry patrons.
This charming nook of a place was filled to the brim with all sorts of Japanese knick-knacks everywhere you look. Things I grew up with as a Japanese American girl in LA and things I snacked on after a trip to Yaohan and Marukai.
MS ordered his usual at Daichan's - the Tempura Udon, while I had the Tenzaru Soba with a side of Potato Croquette. The udon broth was deliciously light and the noodles just the right amount of firmness. The tempura, crisp and crunchy. The tenzaru soba was perfect for the summer night out. And the "korokke" was almost as good as how my grandma makes them.
Daichan's - A small stop in the valley with a whole lot of heart and soul. A must eat in my Best of LA.
Daichan Japanese Soul Food Restaurant
street: 11288 Ventura Blvd #F | Studio City, CA 91604
tel: 1.818.980.8450
The Art of Chase
web: www.theartofchase.com
blog: http://theartofchase.blogspot.com
Aura Club
Heavy Hitters of Comedy Standup Comedy. $10 cover.
street: 12215 Ventura Blvd #209 | Studio City, CA 91604
tel: 1.818.487.1488
web: www.auranightclub.com
13 comments:
Hmmm, I wrote a comment and it disappeared! Anyway, I love Daichan. So glad you guys like it too. If you are starving you can also go to Midori Sushi just down the street for a high volume all you can eat sushi! But you probably knew that already. ;0)
Hey Anon! Thanks for stopping on by! =) I'm so sorry that your original comment disappeared. All I got on this end was a "?" mark so thought I'd go ahead and just delete that one. ;) Anywho, I don't think I've been to Midori Sushi yet... I'm very much an LA girl who grew up off the 10 fwy. Hmm... All you can eat sushi? I may have to check that one out! Thanks for the heads up!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Daichan. If you go again, you have to try their Hot Ginger Drink... it is the world's best cold remedy! It tastes like a hot liquid Ricola cough drop, in a good way.
Plus the owners are so nice! A good remedy if you've been scowled at by Nozawa the night before ;)
Love the pictures girl! Let's set a date for happy hour!
korokke! I love korokke and feel it's difficult to find a really good one. I'll definitely try their's- sounds delicious.
Hey CC! Hot Ginger Drink? Hmm... sounds warm and delicious for a sick cough! I hope I won't need it during the cold season though... ;) Ooo... don't you love it when the owners are such good people too?! Haven't met Nozawa yet... maybe one day...
Hey Jeni! Thanks girl! I'd love a date with you!!! Just let me know when!
Hey TAG! I don't think I've met anyone who loves korokkes as much as you! YOU ROCK! =)
The art of chase rocks.. His style is similar to mine. Who would have thought his art would be right next to daichans. I still need to get my stencil art action on.
Fine, then i'm going on a date w/ MS. how do you and oishii eats like that? We're going to a place that starts with 'Spearmint' and ends in 'Rhino'. haha.
WOT? I can't believe I worked practically right next to Studio City for over 5 years & never knew about this place! Where were all the foodbloggers around the turn-of-the century??? Gonna definitely have to hit up this place next time I'm in the 818.
Hey MS! Can't wait to see your stencil art!!! ;) I need to get down to SD to start working on those paintings!!!
Hey EDnbM! Don't worry... Have fun this weekend while I take good care of your lady... don't forget your dolla bills! ;)
Hey DG! GIRL!!! I've missed you so very much and am so happy to hear from you!! Can't wait to see you and Mr. Man again! HUGS! (and yes, do check out Daichan's when you're in the 818!)
Appreciated picture. I really like it.
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.
This is some great art and soul food. There is no other better than this. Good post.
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