THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Kiriko Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Kiriko Restaurant Review:

A chef at another, better known, sushi bar referred us to this little gem along Sawtelle Boulevard, an area that has emerged as a lively Little Tokyo West, filled with good opportunities to experience Japanese cuisine. The storefront eatery is small and cozy, with mostly modern art and a rough-timbered sushi bar. The sushi is among the city's best and, while it's easy to run up a substantial tab, Kiriko is usually less expensive than the city's trendier, more fashionable venues. Toro --- either plain or seared and served with a crown of chile --- is first-rate; there’s also mango wrapped with smoked salmon, baby sardine pasta with shiso, duck confit salad, and chawanmushi (hot egg custard) with sea urchin and scallop. A daily tapas-style small plates menu is offered as well. For dessert, house-made ice creams --- sesame, brown sugar-ginger, chai tea, or even white truffle --- satisfy. Note: All dishes are available on a seasonal basis. Staff is friendly and accommodating.