Road Trip: Sushi Go 55 - Los Angeles

I recently took a day off from work, and we headed off to.... well, where else, LA. We hadn't been to Little Tokyo in quite a while. So we decided to start there...... And it had been a good long time, things seemed a bit different, and there's a new transit stop.... or maybe not so new since I don't think I've spent much time here since my (Rail) Road Trip at the end of 2006!  

We decided that some sushi and sashimi would make a nice lunch... nothing fancy, just some decently done sushi like we'd get at Sushi Komasa, which isn't open for lunch. Sushi Gen was discussed and rejected because we've grown weary of the lines, and feeling rushed through our meal. So we decided on Sushi Go 55, a shop that's been around for a while, located on the top floor of Little Tokyo Shopping Center. 

 
 

We had arrived at about 11am.... a few minutes ahead of the 11:15 (11:15???) opening. So we wandered around a bit. We hadn't been here since the Little Tokyo Shopping Center had been sold. As the Missus and I walked through the deserted supermarket (very nice BTW) we fondly remembered when it was first Yaohan, then Mitsuwa. Last year, Mitsuwa Marketplace closed, and was replaced by the Little Tokyo Galleria Market which is quite nice, and stocks both Japanese and Korean grocery items. It was just a bit depressing that the place was pretty much deserted. Here's a photo of parts of the second and third floor, which was totally deserted.

At 11:15, an arm reached out, and turned the sign out front over.... and Sushi Go 55 was open. We were greeted at the door by a very friendly gentleman who recognized us from the parking lot, as we had parked just a few cars apart.

We looked over the menu, and made our decisions. There was an interesting moment when I turned to the back page of the menu. Here there was a copy of a handwritten page with something called the "New Economy Lunch Special".... 10 pieces of sashimi, rice, and miso soup for $12.75, which is a bargain. We decided on other things though.

We placed our orders, and in very efficient fashion, some sunomono and miso soup arrived to keep us occupied while waiting for our main courses.

Along with a nice cup of green tea, this gave us some time to relax and check the place out a bit. The restaurant is a bit larger than it looks, with a small dining area, along with a pretty sizable bar.

We also noticed that the place had started filling up, with folks trickling in. By the time we started to eat, hte place was two-thirds full. The demographic was interesting; mostly older couples and business people, folks who like to take their time during meals.

Soon enough my Sashimi Lunch ($16) arrived. A chawan of rice, along with a plate of various sashimi.

 The first thing I noticed was that this place uses real wasabi, not that reconstituted green horseradish stuff. On my plate were 2 huge slices of Hamachi, which was probably the best item. The worst being the very tough Tako (Octopus). The three slices of maguro were just ok, while the three slices of Albacore were excellent, very moist. Albacore has a tendency to be dry, but these were soft and moist, and just brushed, not drenched in Ponzu sauce, and topped with onions. There were four large pieces of salmon, which were also quite good, firm yet soft. Nothing exotic, but very solid.... I did notice that these were pretty large cuts of fish, especially the Hamachi and Salmon. The two pieces of Tai (snapper) were on the dry and too chewy, even for Shiromi (whitefish). The quality seemed a bit higher than what we've received from Sushi Gen on our last visit.

I had heard some good things about the Chirashi Lunch Special at Sushi Go 55. At $17, it seemed priced right. It is pretty impressive sight when it arrives as two lacquered boxes, one stacked on the other arrive at the table. I'm sorry to say my photos won't do it justice, but let's just say the Missus really enjoyed Her lunch.

The top box contains all the "scattered" items. (Chirashi Sushi basically means "scattered sushi). I think it would be more appropriate to say the overflowing items.....

The second box held the rice, nori, and other items.....

Let's just say that the Missus couldn't wait to dig in......... and was pretty stuffed, and very satisfied at the end of this meal.

We found the service to be efficient, and that gentleman who worked the front of house was very nice, and even stopped and chatted with us when we were through. He said he was flattered that we came all the way from San Diego to eat here, and wished us a safe drive back home. While the fish was not "top tier", what was good, was very good. The prices are very reasonable for what you get. And the Missus said She enjoyed this more than the last couple of bowls of Chirashi at Izakaya Sakura, so I guess we'll be back. 

I found out that the family that owns Sushi Go 55 also own Haru Ulala, which I thought was interesting. Another interesting item, were the copies of the sheet to my right found around the restaurant. I was even asked if I wanted a copy.... maybe next time......

Sushi Go 55
333 S. Alameda Street
3rd Floor of Little Tokyo Shopping Center
Los Angeles, California 90012

It was fun little visit....after lunch we headed downstairs and did a bit of grocery shopping, then moved on to Japanese Village Plaza and walked around a bit, noting some changes since our last visit, and grabbing some manju from Fugetsu-do. We returned via the 405, stopping in Gardena, and did some shopping at Marukai..... I made Poke, steamed some Lau Lau, and grilled Shishamo for dinner. I think you can call that a pretty nice day!

Comments

[caninecologne]

hi kirk
wow, i just commented on one of your previous posts and then when i refreshed, this post was here! quick!!!

we were just in the little tokyo area a couple of weeks ago...wanted to check out that shopping center but had other things on our agenda. yes, it did look abandoned. will have to check it out again on a future road trip

[Kirk]

Hi CC - That's because you have such impeccable timing! ;o) We used to go down to Little Tokyo almost every other week when we lived in LA. It sure has changed over the last couple of years.

[Thirtyeyes]

Any day that involves lau lau is a good day.

[Eat. Travel. Eat!]

What a great deal for lunch :). The seafood looks like as if it was almost being tipped over as it was so large.

[Dave -nibbleanibble]

Little Tokyo used to be really awesome. But recently, it has only been going down hill.

[Dennis]

Wow look at that chirashi! Looks great.

[kat]

the sashimi looks good! love the sayings at the end.

[janfrederick]

The only problem I have with the sheet is the last part. It makes you feel like a total loser! ;)

Interesting that they attract a clientele known for taking it slow, when the place is only open for an hour for lunch on weekdays!

[Kirk]

Hi Thirtyeyes - You are so right!

Hi ETE - This was well worth the price for us.

Hi Dave - Japanese Village Plaza looks like it's going strong, and of course there was a usual super long line outside Daikokuya. Lots of changes since we last visited.

Hi Dennis - The Missus loved it!

Hi Kat- Pretty neat, huh? The family that runs Sushi Go 55 and Haru Ulala have been in the busniess for 60 years or so.... enough time to come up with something like that.

Hi Jan - The way I see things.... it gives me somthing to strive for. Though there's only one thing I require daily.... I try to have a good laugh everyday.

BTW, lunch is from 1115 to 215 on weekdays, three hours.

[kirbie]

Oh, I'm so happy you went to Little Tokyo and did this post. After my last quick trip with Boyfriend, I was overwhelmed by all the different restaurants and didn't know what to check out. This place looks like something both Boyfriend and I will like. I can't wait to check it out!

[Carol]

The Mister and I were just saying it's been so long since we've been to Little Tokyo. Maybe a trip is in our near future!

[Lynnea]

Yummy! Sounds like a fun day off!

[Kirk]

Hi Kirbie - Little Tokyo sure has changed in the last couple of years. Sushi Gen and Sushi Go 55 looks like good lunch spots for no frills, standard sushi and sashimi. For the same during the evening, Sushi Komasa is another place for reasonably priced no frills sushi.

Hi Carol - I'm sure you'll find the amount of changes interesting.

Hi Lynnea - It was a yummy day off!