Gonpachi

I had on my list to try out Gonpachi in Japan, per my best friend from home, Alanna, when she was giving me recommendations.  Unfortunately, we were trying to do so many things, we never made it there.  I had heard the one in Beverly Hills wasn't as good as the one in Japan, but when we got an email from Travelzoo offering a $70 certificate for $35, we figured we might as well try it.  The food and sushi were good-- not great, but not bad...but the dessert (tempura ice cream) was to die for!!!!  Sean even said it was the best dessert he's ever had in his life!!!  I also enjoyed the ambiance... it felt authentic and like I could be in Japan!
And although it has nothing to do with food, we visited the tallest Xmas tree in the US at the Grove afterwards... 

seared albacore with spicy ponzu

oysters- yummy

crispy rice- just so so

shrimp tempura roll... i thought this one was actually really, really good!!! Sean thought it was just good, but I thought it was one of the best rolls I've ever had.

spicy tuna roll with some kind of peanuty dressing which we did not really care for...

tempura ice cream- so good!

@ the Grove!