Hinoki and the Bird – West Los Angeles, CA

Hinoki and the Bird – West Los Angeles, CA.  Hinoki and the Bird is one of the hottest restaurants in Los Angeles currently, following Kuniko Yagi’s popularity as a fan favorite on the TV show Top Chef.  Hinoki was also awarded best new restaurant in 2013 by Esquire Magazine.  Kuniko Yagi story is very intriguing.  She became a chef almost by mistake; Leaving her finance job in Japan and moving to Los Angeles on a whim.  She became a server in a Japanese Noodle house where she met David Myers.  He ended up giving her a chance by her articulation in food in his restaurant and she succeeded with no formal culinary training or education.  She later became the executive chef of his restaurant Comme Ca.  Hinoki and the Bird is the culmination of Chef David Myers and Kuniko Yagi’s creative culinary vision.  Located in Century City Hinoki has both indoor and outdoor seating.  They have creative cocktails, appetizers, entrees and desserts ranging from different inspired ingredients and techniques.  Some unique offerings were Seasonal Fix – Vodka with muddled seasonal fruit and fresh lemon, Sambal Skate Wing, Chili Crab Toast, Lobster with squid ink roll, Hinoki Scented Black Cod, Drunken Duck Breast, Miso Marinated Skirt Steak, Rice Cream Chocolate Mochi, Cotton Cheesecake and Miso Donuts.  Love, Peace and Hinoki Scented Black Cod Grease!

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Seasonal Fix – Vodka with fresh lemon and fresh muddled Strawberries – Very refreshing

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Chili Crab Toast, spicy cucumber, coriander

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A must have at Hinoki and the Bird

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Beef Tartare, pickled jalapeno, parmigiano

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Fried Spring Rolls with avocado

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Lobster Squid Ink Roll, Thai basil

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Very good flavors

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Butternut Squash Soup

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Hinoki Wood Scented Balck Code, Sweet Potato, Pistachio

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Signature Dish at Hinoki and the Bird

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Drunken Duck Breast

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Caramel braised Kurobuta Pork Belly, radish, mustard greens

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Braised Shitake Mushroom, Yuzu Kosho

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Sambal Skate Wing

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Miso Marinated Skirt Steak

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Roasted Yam, creme fraiche, lardon – surprisingly savory and the table favorite dish

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Miso Donut, honey caramel – very good

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Rice Cream – Chocolate Mochi, campfire marshmallow – like a smore and ice cream with a rice component very unique and amazing

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Ylang ylang, gooseberries, black sesame, passionfruit meringue, perfume sorbet

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Cotton Cheese Cake, rhubarb, raspberry cream, strawberry yogurt ice cream – very interesting textures and rhubarb flavor

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An OCFoodlist first: a bathroom shot, very unique tiled mirror

Vol 94 – Pasadena, CA

Vol. 94 Pasadena, CA. This little gem is a family run wine bar and tapas style restaurant. Great food and great atmosphere right in downtown Pasadena. The food was very tasty, the Kale salad was amazing and the shrimp toast was very well constructed. This Kale salad actually inspired me to eat healthier. When I ate the Kale salad I was like I could eat this everyday. So I have been actually making a Kale salad at home on a regular basis. Thanks Vol. 94. for starting my semi healthier living that is still great tasting.  Love, Peace and no Kale Salad Grease!

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Our bottle of Cab

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Marinated Kale Salad with Burratta and Pinenuts

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Shiro Maguro Dez

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Shrimp Toast

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Crabby Patty

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Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic Chips and Baby Anchovies

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Kurobota Pork Belly with Honey Noodles

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Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta

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