dunno if anyone has seen the set up in the Tokyo Market parking lot? It’s like 4 table lengths. Huge Al Pastor Spit, Santa Maria style grill with hanging Chorizo, big space for the other meat being grilled. Looks pretty epic and only a few blocks from The Row!
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@Clayfu There are also two gyms in the ROW and plenty near by 
start the day strong before that LA Olympics of eating routine 
and jog around after Pikunico and Bianco lunch. Everything is possible. Someone please volunteer as a tribute for this mission
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Last night, I came in literally begging for rice (as my main mission). Really loving the redux tasting menu at the bar, but I cannot leave Kato without chef Jon’s rice! First, it was his duck rice, which was so amazing already, and now we have Unagi rice… I’ll show up and dance on my happy chair for their rice 
Rice for one
Rice for two
Rice for three 
Rice for… the Bar 
RIP
My favorite spot for a solo meal in LA 
It’s very nice to walk around the ROW before or after the meal, too. Oh btw, the other courses are very tasty, I’m just a little obsessed with Jon’s rice lately 
*They have a new lobster dish on their new menu this week. I want to come back for it! Please let me know if anyone has tried.
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I tried it recently and it was actually one of my least favorite dishes bc it was slightly overcooked. everything else was phenomenal, the best restaurant in LA imo but sooo expensive
also has the crowd favorite 18% service charge that does not include a “tip”
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@Rodeogig did you take a picture of that dish? I’m so curious. Will wait for a little for the kitchen to dial in and I’ll come bother them again when I’m hungry for rice
I did not. It was still really good but just compared to everything else that was the only dish not cooked perfectly. Was ridiculously good meal, way better since they moved.
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Are you asking for the rice after a bar tasting menu? Or were they willing to accommodate you as a walk-in ordering a la carte?
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@Rodeogig I felt the same way every time I came back. It kept getting better, solid!
@boourns I did a terrible scheme 
I picked a time when the kitchen is at it least busy moment to slip in and begging with my best set of puppy eyes 
it worked somehow. But I’m really pressing for ALC rice to come back onto the bar menu soon. Giving all the amazing drinks options they have, you all need something to nibble along for comfort 
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FYI looks like there is a resy for 8:15 for 3 tomorrow night. Is Kato a tough table? I dunno
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Does tough table matter that much or the taste & quality of food is more important? To me, it’s the latter. Not picking up a debate btw. I’m a conflict avoidance mushroom 
At the end of the day, it’s happier to eat the food we love and eat more of what’s good for your health, nothing else really matters (for me) 
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At least during the week I have seen reservations available for early seating I don’t think it’s hayato level bad
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(Lol I just wasn’t sure if it was impossible to get a reservation or not so I just posted about what seemed a very prime table that I saw while scrolling. Also not trying to debate. Trying to help a fellow FTCer out 
)
Can I help you with Kato’s rice
I should be more shameless and try that 
Their normal a la carte menu is so small now as their bar tasting menu seems quite popular. I often stop for a drink while my wife is getting her hair done and it would be nice to try some new things.
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since the check has an “additional tip” line I consider the 18% service charge as including the tip and just top off. no need to add another 20% and it’s also not expected.
https://www.katorestaurant.com/menu
An 18% service charge will be added to your bill to provide comprehensive benefits, as well as a consistent livable wage for both our service and culinary teams. Though many of our guests choose to leave gratuity for exemplary service, it is neither necessary nor expected, though it is greatly appreciated. This gratuity will be shared by the service and culinary teams.
@PorkyBelly When I eat alone, I can focus and do math to top off or tip more, but if I’m trying to keep other humans company, I’m incapable of doing that. Regardless, I quite like the 18% service charge to keep things simpler.
I wouldn’t mind if there an option for 20% service charge to tip just a little bit more without doing math. Everyone works so hard and they deserve at least that 18%… or more, everywhere
kato x baan tepa x bonnie’s
is this supposed to be good?
Jesus Kato is 275$ now? When did that happen
this is a special event dinner price