I’ve never been to sakura ya when they’ve had sakura mochi (which i’ve realized is all i really want). funny enough, someone gifted me chikara once so that association kinda just stuck with me.
I look fwd to trying it
An acquaintance from St. Louis is staying in Torrance for a few days, and we are meeting him on Sunday for dinner. I don’t know much about him, but I think he doesn’t have any dietary restrictions, eats anything, and has had a wee bit of sticker shock from restaurant prices on this first trip to LA (but I think he can afford the cost).
What would you recommend? Wadatsumi? Is Kagura still any good? Cloud Naan? Carlos Tendon Jr.? I’d like to keep it reasonably affordable (and, yes, I know that’s pretty vague) and casual.
Thanks. 
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Kagura is still good. Moody Izakaya vibe. My go to is Carlos Jr., it still feels like a hidden gem and the parking situation is good. I love the story too, it gives something to talk about.
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Wadatsumi hasn’t lost a step becoming Waraku, and is arguably better at dinner now? Best draft Asahi in the South Bay, and the takowasa is incredible.
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Oh, good thing I asked about Wadatsumi, b/c I hadn’t remembered the name change!
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Speaking of Carlos a third location is coming to Mitsuwa food court
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I would go Carlos or Izakaya hachi if you’re willing to spend a little more. Madre is also good option for live music and oaxacan food.
Otafuku if he’s willing to travel north for soba.
I didn’t really enjoy kagura the last couple times I went.
Also @PorkyBelly had a great time at vin folk which I’ve been eyeing.
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Otafuku!
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Cloud Naan is “Temporary Closed” 
Izakaya Hachi is a good choice, but it can get a bit pricey. Carlos Tendon Jr. is a easy crowd pleaser. Expect to wait depending on when you go. Waraku has nice vibe and probably has a better lunch deal. Otafuku is good for smaller party and menu leans towards traditional dishes.
Also look into Akane Chaya for Tonkatsu and Hamburger Steak. Tomizo Ramen and Kitakata Ramen for really casual dining.
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Guest decided on Carlos Tendon Jr.
No pics from me. I didn’t ask anyone how they enjoyed their meal, but I enjoyed mine just fine. We had an early dinner, so we were seated w/ (edit: w/o) a wait, but there was quite a crowd when we left.
I got the small tempura bowl + soba dinner. Good QPR, and the soba was delicious. It’s been so long since I had a tendon that I forgot I like the tempura on its own (the sauce already applied sogs the tempura a little, but it’s so yummy on rice).
Only knock is that, b/c the place is casual and busy, it’s not a place to linger (they are VERY good about bringing the bill as soon as the last plate is cleared).
Thanks to all for the many recs! I don’t get out to Torrance often but look forward to trying the other recs eventually!
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My best friend has said the same about Kagura. The restaurant quality has much changed since we started going there with no more mortar/pestle to grind sesame seeds to add to your katsu and the katsu itself and other menu dishes missing the mark.
Kagura stall at Tokyo Central still remains solid.
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I liked Riera’s bacon breakfast burrito better than Barans.
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Fried cauliflower with a sweet, tangy, spicy sauce at The Kettle. Free parking in Manhattan Beach after 9pm. I think they are open 24 hours on Fri and Sat.
Bread Head coming to Manhattan Beach.
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Gold Spoon Jamaican Cuisine Inglewood
Ox-tail Plate Full flavor and extremely tender. All the sides also are very good. Unlike most restaurants, the plantain wasn’t grease and the vegetables have a nice crunch.
Jerk Chicken It’s good but too spicy for me to appreciate the subtleties.
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Was the jerk chicken grilled? It looks almost stewed.
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I’m not sure. Texture certainly feels like stewed. I have similar question too and will check next time.
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Jerk Chicken is oven roasted.
Betty Market & Restaurant, Inglewood
Awaze Chikina Tibs (center) and Shiro. Injera included. Feels like a healthier version of Indian cuisine, i.e. less oil and salt. Having said that, SO loved the meal and I liked it.
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I’m gonna have to find one that does grilled jerk chicken!
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I think Jerk Stop in West LA says “Smoked Grill” for the chicken on the on-line menu.
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