THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Kumo Restaurant

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Kumo Restaurant Restaurant Review:

Dramatic changes have occurred over the years at this Melrose address, where the legend started with Ma Maison, continued with Jozu and then Citrine, and now Kumo by Hamasaku's partners. Inspired by its namesake, meaning "cloud" in Japanese (or vice versa, who knows?), the space has been completely redesigned by Stephen Francis Jones in a very bright white (walls, sushi and cocktail bars, tables, banquettes and chairs) and dark blue (floor). The tables are set with beautiful handmade dishware imported from Japan. Art pieces, a silent vertical waterfall, and Murano-glass bubble chandeliers bring decorative elements to the high ceilinged room---we are not sure about the five plasma screens above the sushi chefs showing animated colorful images with a theme of the four seasons. The menu is what one would expect in a Los Angeles Japanese restaurant, with traditional sushi and sashimi, house special sashimi (seared salmon) and rolls, miso soup, vegetables (sautéed mixed mushrooms, steamed brown rice, mixed tempura), and small plates like sautéed scallops, seafood dumpling and chicken meatballs. Entrées, which are actually the most interesting part of the menu, include marinated black cod, tuna steak, and a definitely memorable grilled Kobe beef in a teriyaki sauce. Back to the classics with a chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream. The chef is happy to prepare an omakase for lunch ($50) or dinner ($150). The wine list is short; you will have more fun with the cocktails and the sakés.