My last post was a little negative and highlighted a restaurant that I was not too happy with. This time around, I am going to give a positive review of Blowfish, an upbeat Japanese restaurant bordering West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The location is actually a little off the strip, and if your heading east along Sunset Blvd, this is exactly where the strip begins and Beverly Hills ends (across from the Jaguar/Land Rover dealership).
Like Katana, the ambiance at Blowfish is upbeat and energetic…but it somehow feels a little more authentic. The lights are dim and there is an interesting blend of Reggae music in the background and Japanese Anime films being played on Plasma TV screens. My girlfriend and I have eaten here on several occasions and she swears that they play the same Bob Marley record each time…but I never noticed.
If you’re eating at Blowfish on the weekday, you probably won’t have any trouble getting a table without reservations. On the weekends, it’s a different story. The restaurant is usually packed on the weekends, and frequently hosts events and parties, so I would suggest you make reservations early in the afternoon (or possibly the day before). If you’re really eager to eat there, you can simply walk-in and try your luck at the Sushi Bar which is seated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The sushi at Blowfish is on the pricey side, ranging from $12-$18 per roll. But unlike Katana which I featured in my last post, the Sushi at Blowfish is always fresh and full of flavor. My favorites at Blowfish are the Spicy Tuna Roll and the Animal Style Roll…but I am really partial to the latter. They serve several specialty drinks made with Sake or Japanese Vodka…my personal favorite being the POM (Pomegranate) & Vodka. If you still have room for dessert, I would suggest going with the Green Tea Cheesecake.
Where: Social Hollywood, 6525 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Music: Featuring DJ AUDIOMOE & DJ GINA STAR
Promoters: Joe Joe Promotions & Red Light Promotions
Additional Info
Guest list, bottle service, or dinner reservations is highly recommended. Contact Jenn Laskey (jenn[at]redlightpromotions.com) at Red Light Promotions for more information.
*All information is tentative and subject to change
If you’re looking for overpriced Sushi, then Sunset Blvd is the place to go.
At a whopping $12-$15 per roll, the majority of Sushi restaurants located on the strip fall short when it comes to quality. This isn’t to say that the sushi is bad; it just isn’t worth the price. For instance, take Katana – a very ordinary sushi restaurant with extraordinary prices. I heard a lot of good things about Katana before I went, so it’s possible that I could have come in with really high expectations. If you decide to go there on the weekend, make reservations ahead of time as it gets really packed. I went there on a weekday so it wasn’t too packed, but even for a Tuesday, the ambiance was upbeat and very energetic.
Although Katana does serve much more than just sushi, including traditional Japanese skewers (Robata), we we just went with the sushi. We ordered about 6 different rolls (hand-cut) and a couple orders of sashimi between the two of us. I really hate to make the comparison (since it could have been a one time thing), but the Sushi reminded me of the rolls you purchase from the refrigerators at Ralphs. The fish wasn’t fresh, the avocado was brown, the rice was hard packed (not sure if that’s the correct term), and it was just bland.
I also enjoy Spicy Mayo with my Sushi and they couldn’t even get that right. The Spicy Mayo they brought out had the consistency of margarine; I thought the whole point was to dip your sushi into it, not spread it. The service was also nothing special; the waitress would disappear for long periods of time and never came around to check up on us. On a positive note, the 5-minute souffle (it takes 5 minutes, hence the name) we had for dessert was quite good.
Although I may give Katana another shot, I don’t think I will be coming back in the near future.
Taking your date out in Los Angeles should be pleasant and memorable for both of you. Finding romantic date ideas in Los Angeles is certainly not hard work, and you owe it to your girl and yourself to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer.
Los Angeles has the perfect date weather and you can do pretty much everything year-round. Candlelight dinners and rose petals aside, if you are looking to go the extra mile for your sweetheart, here are some romantic date ideas.
The Beach
The southern California region is full of what makes California famous - beaches. There are many varieties of romantic date ideas these beaches provide. Pack a picnic or a kite and head to your closet beach, or get closer to celebrities at Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Enjoy the sun together during the day, or visit the beach at dusk for a more isolated stroll through the waves. Set out an evening picnic and enjoy the quiet stillness of night while you gaze at the starts. Of course, it goes without saying that you should name a star for your date.
Catalina Island
For a romantic day together, head to Catalina Island. While there, enjoy time together in a couple's spa or head to the beach for snorkeling or scuba diving. Have dinner in any of the romantic restaurants on the beach, and then head back to the mainland after a fulfilling day together. Another option, of course, would be to spend an entire weekend or at least a night together on the island and enjoy all of the romantic date ideas available.
Gondola Ride
Experience a little taste of Venice inside Los Angles. Gondola Adventures in Long Beach offers an opportunity to snuggle together on a classic gondola, complete with a singing gondolier. Have some wine and cheese while you admire the houses off the canal and simply enjoy each other’s company. Enjoy the romantic serenade of the gondolier and let dusk wash over you as you experience this, a truly different romantic date idea.
Take A Drive
Los Angeles has some of the most beautiful weather in the world. Rent a convertible or take the top down on yours and just drive. The Pacific Coast Highway offers amazing views and plenty of opportunities for sneaking your arm around your sweetie or stealing a kiss at a lookout point. Stop for a sweet treat and discuss other romantic date ideas you might have for the future. Feel the wind whip through your hair while you declare your love for her and Los Angeles.
So you managed to survive the first date and now you want to plan something fun for the second. What do you do on those in between dates, anyway?
Los Angeles is among the most famous cities in the world, and not only celebrities come here to play. There are endless fun date opportunities available in and around the city, so let your imagination come out to play.
Disneyland
Relive your childhood in true form. Head over to Anaheim from Los Angeles and see all the fun date ideas Disney has cooked up. The classic fairy tale appeal and rides are still available at Disneyland, but other options are available at Disney's California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Get your picture taken with Donald Duck and find a personalized set of mouse ears for a souvenir. Spin teacups together until you're sick and see the true Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney has made a business out of making things fun, and these parks are no exception.
Sporting Event
Take in a baseball game in a city known for beautiful weather. The Los Angeles Dodgers play in Dodger Stadium frequently and nothing can beat a three foot giant blue foam finger to wave together. If baseball season is over, the Los Angeles Lakers make a fine alternative with some of the largest names in sports today. The Los Angeles Kings Hockey team would also make a fun date idea. Hockey is best viewed from behind the glass next to the rink where you can enjoy the fights and action up close.
The Zoo
For an afternoon in the sun, head to the Los Angeles Zoo. There are frequent special attractions in addition to the regular animals, and with the balmy weather LA enjoys year-round, the animals are always out enjoying the easy life. Hold hands and laugh at the monkeys. Feed the ducks and share an ice cream while you stroll through the reptile house. Throw peanuts to the elephants and take time out to generally enjoy each other's company.
Play Golf
The city of Los Angeles owns the largest golf course complex in the United States. There are a total of thirteen courses available throughout the city, so surely one will suit the fun date ideas you've planned. Demonstrate your handicap or help your date fix hers on a breezy Sunday afternoon on the links.
My last post was a little negative and highlighted a restaurant that I was not too happy with. This time around, I am going to give a positive review of Blowfish, an upbeat Japanese restaurant bordering West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The location is actually a little off the strip, and if your heading east along Sunset Blvd, this is exactly where the strip begins and Beverly Hills ends (across from the Jaguar/Land Rover dealership).
Taking your date out in Los Angeles should be pleasant and memorable for both of you. Finding romantic date ideas in Los Angeles is certainly not hard work, and you owe it to your girl and yourself to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer.
So you managed to survive the first date and now you want to plan something fun for the second. What do you do on those in between dates, anyway?