Katsu-Ya

Katsu-Ya

11680 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 985-6976

“Irasshaimase!”

This Japanese greeting rings out every time you walk in the door to this amazing establishment!

First opening in 1999, Katsu-Ya, owned by Chef Katsuya Uechi of the Katsu-Ya Group now have 7 locations stretching his Sushi excellence from Manhattan Beach to Studio City to Northridge!

Whether you decide to sit at the bar or wait for a table, one thing is guaranteed. You will have to wait!

To me, Sushi places in LA are like Pizzeria’s in NY, one on just about every corner. And like Pizza in NY, I feel like it’s hard to mess up Sushi. But I am sure we have all had that experience with “sweat shop” Sushi before.

Katsu-Ya puts the “Smackdown” on GOOD Sushi in a way that this “Meat and Potatoes” guy fell in love with some of the cuisine!

To start, after your “Irasshaimase” welcome and possible 30 minute wait, you sit down and instantly are given one of the most simplest, most refreshing things I have ever experienced in a restaurant setting. No not a “Happy Ending” nut bags, that’s at the place down the road,  but close! 

The warm, cleansing "towelette" that is peeled open by your server as a way of cleaning your hands, face, feet, neck whatever you need, before your meal. Simplicity that adds to the amazing food to come..

Not sure why other places don’t do follow suit but I tip my hat to you Chef Katsuya!

When a “Fat Kid” goes to a sushi place he/she prepare to eat, and eat some more. Then a little more eating, then one more, and finally we get to what was my favorite portion of the segment called “Mozzarella Crab Tempura!”

Let me first take a moment to reflect on what was, “Mozzarella Crab Tempura.” “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” was a simple dish. With what was lacking from a small ingredient list, “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” made up in taste! The size of a Harmonica, the “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” was a symphony of salt with the melodic meltings of Mozzarella cheese and a simple note of crab. This crunchy, salty, melted crab meat appetizer had all but one flaw….

It wasn’t on the menu!

Nope, some guy one night that was sitting next to me offered me one and after that sampler, I ordered my own! I believe 8-9 come in an order. Or came in an order!

I remember saying to myself, this is one of the best appetizers I have ever eaten…

It’s Simple, I love Mozzarella Sticks. I love “Mozzarella Crab Tempura!”

Tempura batter, if you don’t know is light and fluffy not heavy like a bread crumb. In the middle, something that resembled a Polly-O Mozzarella String Cheese, which are the quintessential snack time treat and a fresh piece of lump crabmeat.  It’s ridiculous how they show up nice and warm! Oozing Mozzarella with a Crispy Flakey scarf made of Tempura keeping it cozy and that morsel of seafood.

Really, one of the best!

So I stumble in there one night, knowing exactly what I am going to order, a whole bunch of sushi rolls and my “Mozzarella Crab Tempura.”

After my second bottle of hot Sake, second pint of Asahi and multiple rolls I proudly declare my love for “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” to my server to be told, “So sorry, it is off the menu.”

It was like watching the “Hindenburg” go up in flames! Finding out Santa Claus is fake, the Tooth Fairy doesn’t exist and that for Chanukah you really don’t get 8 days of gifts!

“Oh the humanity!”

I mean every time I ate at Katsu-Ya I would upsell whoever is sitting next to me as to why they should try the “Mozzarella Crab Tempura.” I could’ve earned a damn commission!

So now, months later, after swearing off Katsu-Ya, I go back. I go back with the hopes I will be reunited with my “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” and what do I find out? They have an appetizer on the menu called, “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” but… it’s not the same. It is a quarter sized ball of Fresh Mozzarella with some Tempura, NO CRAB! I like the Fresh Mozz but this attempt is a FAIL! 

And, you schmuck, you put it on the menu. It loses all of it’s sexy now! You aren’t in the “exclusive” “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” club.

You are just another guy eating a sub par appetizer!

Let’s go back and reiterate, they took a menu item that isn’t on the menu off the menu. Huh?

For me, the “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” was one of the simplest, tastiest appetizers I have ever eaten and don’t know why it’s not being served. Since the disheartening disappointment, I have not been back to Katsu-Ya. I am now lost in LA with hundreds of Sushi places to choose from, despite knowing where I’d like to be!

Fat Kid’s unite! Go to Katsu-Ya, ask for the “Mozzarella Crab Tempura” and let them know that this Fat Kid sent you!

All in all, Katsu-Ya is a very good Sushi place, but better when they had the “Mozzarella Crab Tempura”

BRING IT BACK! 

Konichiwa!