Growing up in Los Angeles, no one ever turned down Jason Park’s mother when she invited them over for dinner. Years later, no one’s turning down her son either. When Jason’s beloved Maru finally re-opened in its new Santa Monica locale late last year, it carried with it an 11-year following from its original Valencia location. His foodie fandom was so passionate, they now travel from near and far to have dinner with their favorite chef in the new locale by the sea.
Now, Jason is spoiling Santa Monica with unique flavor fusions that he credits to years cooking beside his mother and grandmother. Fold in his classical French culinary training and you have French-Japanese cuisine cozied up next to a sushi menu worth the omakase splurge.
Image courtesy of @maru_santamonica
Image courtesy of @maru_santamonica
While you’re at it, you also can’t go wrong with the hamachi appetizer, curry lamb or a big ol' juicy New York steak. Don’t be put off by Maru’s many offerings—Chef Jason has earned the right to present pappardelle and pompano nigiri on the same menu.
Even though Maru is a must for an impressive date night spot, we all can agree that sometimes a more easygoing meal is in order—especially after work. And yeah, don't miss Maru's upscale happy hour (Tue - Fri; 5 - 7 p.m) with things like lamb tacos, cheesy steak nachos and $6 cocktails, but where else does Jason go for cheap eats? He lays it out, all in Little Tokyo or Sawtelle Japantown, below:
Furaibo
Sawtelle Japantown, $$
Jason Park: They have my favorite chicken wings, plus there's so many other great items to enjoy. There is the Nasu Saboro (eggplant) that goes really well with the fried rice, Buta Kimchi (Pork with Kimchi), Karei Karaage (deep-fried Sole)—the list goes on.
Tori Piri Kara chicken, Furaibo. Image courtesy of @robertbubbylewis
Japanese chicken wings. Image courtesy of @jaxaustin
Hurry Curry of Tokyo
Sawtelle Japantown, $$
JP: I don't know if it's because of my memories from college, but I really love this Japanese curry spot. I usually get the pork or beef cutlet with curry (spicy) over brown rice, plus a side of fried shrimp and iced green tea. They also have this fried chicken with creamy pasta dish called Chicken Pasta that is great to share.
Cutlets n' curry, Hurry Curry. Image courtesy of @paulmichaelwho
Curry bowl lunch special. Image courtesy of @hurrycurrytokyo
Restaurant 2117
Sawtelle Japantown, $$
JP: The chef makes the best Tsukemen I have ever had in Los Angeles, but unfortunately it’s not on the regular menu. You might be able to get him to make it for you by requesting it. He also makes fresh pasta, which is excellent.
Fresh Sawtellini, Image courtesy of @restaurant2117
Veggie breakfast bowl. Image courtesy of @restaurant2117
Shabu Shabu House
Little Tokyo, $$
JP: I've been going here for decades. It’s very satisfying and not expensive. I always get a large beef then go across the way to get some sweets from Mikawaya for dessert.
Shabu at Shabu Shabu House. Image courtesy of @jessicasongg
Beef curry. Image courtesy of @hannahrjasong
Mitsuru Grill
Little Tokyo, $
JP: This was my go-to place to stop by after the fish market. You can enjoy all sorts of good stuff here. Oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl), Teriyaki, Tempura, and even Corned Beef Hash are some of my favorites.
Sweet Red Bean cakes at Mitsuru Grill. Image courtesy of @kristiehang
Corned beef hash. Image courtesy of @littletokyovibes
Belinda Gosbee is an Aussie writer, actress and coffee snob based in Los Angeles. Follow her jaunts on twitter @belindagosbee or Instagram @gos22.
