How To Eat Like... David Myers, chef-owner, Sona

Sushi Nozawa. Hands down, it’s the best sushi in the city. He’s the godfather of sushi. Every morning, he's the first guy at the fish market, without fail. And he's not open on Sunday, because the fish market isn't open. Anyone who will close on the busiest day of the restaurant business gets full kudos. You don’t go for the ambiance; forget the bright orange chairs and the strip-mall setting. It’s about the fish.

Kokekokko. Old-school yakitori. They also serve chicken sashimi, from the breast and from the leg. It’s very soft, kind of like toro. It’s so smooth.

Chabuya. For simple Tokyo-style noodles. The broth is everything. It's pork broth, but it's not clear like a consomme; it's got fat mixed into so it’s muddy, but it has such amazing flavor. The braised pork on top is really tender.

Bay Cities Italian Deli. For the Godmother sandwich. It's Italian cold cuts with lettuce, onion, tomato and their spicy giardinia peppers on one of their beautiful baguettes. 

Le Sanctuaire. This is one of the best cook’s paradises. They have a myriad of spices, cooking gadgets and dinnerware. They just left Santa Monica, but they have locations in Orange County (a warehouse for online) and in San Francisco... they're going to open in New York, too. They're looking for another space in L.A.

Jiraffe. It’s the ultimate local hang, from a local chef who grew up in the area. That's rare. He’s a surfer, he has a great vibe and he knows what he’s doing.

Sushi Nozawa, 11288 Ventura Blvd., Ste. C, Studio City. (818) 508-7017

Kokekokko, 360 E 2nd St., Downtown Little Tokyo. (213) 687-0690

Chabuya, 2002 Sawtelle Blvd., West Los Angeles. (310) 473-9834

Bay Cities Italian Deli, 1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 395-8279

Le Sanctuaire. To shop online: http://www.le-sanctuaire.com/

Jiraffe, 501 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 917-6671

Comments

[Big Bomb]

while the "heat" has left Nozowa, it's still freakin' good. went there the other night, a Friday, and it was really quiet, just the two kids from The American Pie series were in.