kato, west LA.
happy 2020, all! even though we’re starting a new year, i wanted to look back at some of the more memorable meals from 2019 that i haven’t had a chance to share just yet. the first is kato - self described as “a tasting menu restaurant inspired by flavors from los angeles and taiwan. the constantly rotating menu focuses on seafood and asian american nostalgia.”
the chef has a very similar upbringing to me - growing up in the SGV as a child of taiwanese immigrants - so the flavors and textures hit very close to home and brought me joy on a very deep level. definitely one of the best meals i had last year!
it’s BYO! we brought a cordant winery pinot noir.
uni, tapioca.
oysters, daikon.
kanpachi, tomato.
spot prawn.
a highlight for me was the spot prawns, particularly because it also had the head butter in there, which brought me back to eating giant plates of whole steamed prawns growing up and sucking out the heads (my favorite part!).
chawanmushi, dungeness crab.
ocean trout, black vinegar.
turbot, soy.
being in a small, minimal space in a strip mall without an alcohol license lends to a very casual vibe and the service was both friendly and warm. it all made for an experience that just made me happy. i didn’t want it to end.
abalone rice.
yogurt, elderflower.
sweet potato, cheese.
giant sweet potato “boba”
jasmine, koji.
one last note - in addition to being awarded a michelin star earlier this year, the restaurant recently grabbed the number one spot on the LA times 101 best restaurants list! it’s very exciting to see elevated asian cuisine (outside of the usual high end japanese sushi restaurants) getting recognition and accolades in LA.
11925 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
