Gonpachi

Summer 2013 DineLA dinner #1 -- girls night out!  Having only been here before for happy hour, I was interested in trying out more dishes here.  DineLA was the perfect way to do just that.

1st Course: Sumiyaki Skewer Duo.  1 skewer each of seasoned grilled pork belly and chicken in tare sauce.  Both were tasty.  While I liked the savory, rich flavor of the pork belly, it had a tougher texture than I'm used to.  The chicken was juicy and tender, and flavored well with the tare sauce.  A great way to start off the meal.

2nd Course: Teppan Seared Salmon.  Salmon was cooked perfectly with a crisp sear on the outside, while still juicy and flaky on the inside.  It was served in a shiso ponzu, over rice seasoned with yukari (a rice seasoning with dried shiso leaves and salt).  The salmon was very fresh, and the ponzu was light and citrusy.  The rice was very flavorful, and a nice change from plain Japanese white rice.

3rd Course: Almond Tofu Panna Cotta.  Light and refreshing!  Lots of almond flavor in a creamy panna cotta.  It was served in a champagne flute, which was very pretty, but it made it impossible to enjoy the panna cotta with the mango syrup that was at the bottom.  Still it was very refreshing and not-too-sweet, and a great way to end the meal.

If you haven't tried this place yet, the DineLA menu has some great dishes, and it's worth trying!  After this experience, I would definitely return for dinner.

Had a business lunch here Thursday with two of my partners.   First,  this is located in a  hotel, friendly staff with a "green" approach to energy.   Normal hotel with above average decorations and interior.  For $139 a night  this is a gem.   We went into the restaurant which was beautiful with a full bar, a sushi bar and a full restaurant.   Service was excellent and staff friendly and always checked up on us.   Ice Tea refills constant.    The lunch menu is reasonably price with plates from $8 to $18 or so.   Most of the entrees come with ALL YOU CAN EAT salad and miso soup.    

I ordered the Temptation Plate which was 2 types of rolls - tuna and california I believe.   I received this huge plate of rolls, maybe 20 or so and was pleasantly surprised at the quantity.  Sushi was excellent and came with more wasabe and ginger than I needed (I hate to ask for more).   Before I dived in i hit the "complimentary" salad bar and made a small garden salad and got a full cup of miso soup.   Salad had lots of options and was crisp fresh.   Miso soup made daily and excellent . . .  i'd recommend adding seaweed though.  

This is a beautiful location to dine, the staff is great and the food / prices are great.   I don't get to Torrance much but will definitely make it back here.   Also, this is all Japanes (area, theme, owners, hotel, food) but don't get intimidated.   Most of the folks in the restaurant are not Japanese and more of the business crowd.   The staff all appear to speak English as their first language and very friendly and warm.

This review is for Breakfast Buffet (aka Viking) only.

I am not sure where else I can find this type of Japanese breakfast Buffet in North America.....  The selection of the side dishes was not a lot, but every dish was tasty.  My favourite was some type of Shell fish salad, it was very tasty!! I had 3 portion of those.

Would like to see pouched eggs too.  

There was salmon and mackerel.  The salmon was very tasty!  Not a big fan of mackerel so I did not try.  Tamagoyaki was good too!  

Western selection was not that good.  I did not try anything.  If they can have franfkurt sausage instead of the meaty sausage, it would be more like a Japanese breakfast.  Dessert is missing too that's why it only has 4 stars.  

Salad was very fresh, dressing is nice.  

Cannot compare to any Viking in Japan but it's definitely the best in America.  

I will definitely come back if I am in the area again!!