IzakaYa!

TGIF! Apologies for not posting for over a week -- it's been quite busy! In between all my madness, I realized the other day that this past weekend, from Saturday to Monday, I've had Japanese food for just about every meal. It was a very Japanese weekend, since I also finally saw the Murakami exhibit. :) It was amazing! I think I will go back before it leaves town.

During my week of Japanese food, I actually went to the same restaurant twice in one week, although two different locations. Musha is by far one of my favorite Japanese places to eat, because of the variety of foods they have to offer. They have two locations, one in Torrance, and the other in Santa Monica. It is the now very popular Izakaya food, which is basically Japanese tapas -- bar food, if you will. The plates are smaller, so you get to sample lots of dishes. I've seen a few of these Izakaya restuarants popping up around town, and I'm sort of afraid to try them. Can they be as good as Musha? Their original location, is after all, in the real Little Tokyo -- Torrance is the headquarters of many of the Japanese automotive companies, along with many Japanese markets and restaurants. The Japanese version of Alhambra and Monterey Park, you can say. :)


So, as a run down, 10 reasons why I love Musha so much:


10. Kirin draft - by the pitcher!

9. The decor and the atmosphere of the restaurant, both the one in Torrance and the one in Santa Monica, are how I imagine a busy Japanese bar should be -- filled with good food and great lively conversations. The specials are on a hand-written style menu, and the bathrooms are decorated with writings on the wall. I remember the first time I went to Musha was New Year's, and there was a guest book in the bathroom of the Torrance, for visitors to sign. The walls of the private tatami rooms in the Santa Monica branch are lined with mulberry paper, which fascinated me.

8. The combination of Japanese favorites with much loved Italian and French dishes, Japanese style, which is a favorite in Japan.

7. MFC (Musha Fried Chicken) -- Musha's version of the Japanese appetizer/snack favorite. The perfect crunchiness that goes great topped with a squeeze of lemon.


6. The mini grills to grill filet steak and beef tongue (not gross, merely an acquired taste ;)

5. Cheese Risotto that comes in a block of cheese. Creamy. Delicious. Amazing.

4. Umeshu Soda! I discovered this Japanese treat on my last visit to the Santa Monica branch when a friend who was in town for the American Film Market. It's actually plum wine, mixed with club soda. I'm not really a fan of the plum wine, but this was delicious. Served in a tall glass with a big green plum at the bottom.

3. Lobster Rolls -- Lobster sushi, wrapped in soy paper. The most succulent lobster ever, paired with asparagus and avocado. Triple yum.

2. Grilled Saba (Mackerel) -- Absolutely delicious. Grilled at your table with a blow torch - ingenious!

1. Maple Creme Brulee -- The top is grilled with a blow torch for a crunchy, sugary top shell. Delish!

Musha Santa Monica
424 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 576-6330


Musha Torrance
1725 Carson St., Suite B,
Torrance,CA 92780
(310) 787-7344