Aburiya Raku - West Hollywood

Thanks @Chowseeker1999, yeah definitely try the belly next time. The hamachi belly was so good. The salmon was also tender, crispy and salty but way fattier (in a good way). If you’re looking for something light get the hamachi belly, if you want something fatty and rich get the salmon.

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I’m guessing the live uni must have been used to make the broth somehow, but they just watered it down too much.

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Had a great dinner at Raku with another couple Saturday night. We ate so much food, i would post pics but we ordered about 20 different items on the menu and i only took pictures of 15 of them.

i have to agree on the Live Uni Udon, i didnt think it was that good, Just OK. Highlights were the Sashimi platter, Agedashi Tofu,The Buta Kakuni, Tsukune, Beef Tendon, the Crispy Asparagus (coated with Arare)

Here’s a pic of the Sashimi Platter.

Raku can end up being very expensive and we didn’t even order Sake, just a pitcher of beer and 2 extra glasses of beer. (we did order a shitload of food though)

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Love that fucking sashimi. I agree it can get pricey if you’re ordering off the specials menu. I wish they would list the damn special prices instead of having to ask about each one. I’m suspecting that’s intentional though.

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Yes and yes. Without the kobe beef special, my lunch w/ a friend who’ve been almost reasonably priced (given the quality, which was outstanding).

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fried tofu skin

shima aji

spot prawn

head
do i need to tip extra for getting a little head at dinner #askingforafriend

tofu

belly

thigh

breast

wing

skirt

tendon

Oyako Bowl-Asajime Chicken & Egg

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Dang - the sashimi and spot Prawn - way too pretty to eat. Nice line-up.

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Looks delicious as usual! :slight_smile: Thanks for the report back.

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Okay, now see… I was not offended or being rude. I just didn’t get this shout-out until today :angry:.

In answer to your question: Some things should be mutually beneficial.

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Oh yeah… and great looking meal :kissing_heart:.

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Hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner there, looking forward to your report.

I am still just an Aburiya Raku bystander. My cousins hijacked my birthday… they do that. They took us to Locanda Veneta on 3rd / Robertson. Not exactly what I had in mind. But who complains about folks wanting to spend time with you? We had a lot of fun.

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Katsuo - Bonito
Meaty but super tender, the inherently strong flavors paired well with the raw garlic. Thanks for the rec @Chowseeker1999

aji - spanish mackerel
The ultimate #fishstick

Ask them to fry up the bones, because who doesn’t want some crispy fish chips and some head.

Oyaji Tofu
I’m not sure why i’ve never ordered this before but wanted to give it a try after seeing @Chowseeker1999’s report. It was delicious and right up there with their agedashi tofu. I loved the texture and spiciness from the chili-garlic sauce.

asajime chicken breast wrapped with chicken skin

asajime chicken thigh

asajime chicken teba wing

pork intestines
Ate the shit out of these intestines, so good.

kurobuta pork cheek

tsukune

hamachi belly

foie gras with glazed soy-based sauce
Awesome, silky and smooth, the foie gras really de-livered.

chicken livers
Poor man’s foie gras.

wagyu rib cap kushi
A special for the night and they were delicious, super tender and juicy with a little bit of fat. They were pretty much the opposite of their “kobe” beef skewers on their regular menu, which i think are just okay and not as flavorful. @Chowseeker1999 try these out if they’re being offered.

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I hate seeing these reports on Sunday because they are fucking closed on Sunday’s so immrdiate gratification is impossible.

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Hi @PorkyBelly,

Thanks for the rec! I’m craving Raku again, darn it!!! :slight_smile:

Ah! The Wagyu Rib Cap is on the specials board, no wonder I don’t remember seeing it before. :wink: And they had Hamachi Belly when you went! Nice.

Great pics and thoughts as always. :slight_smile:

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sashimi marinated in soy and fermented Bonito guts #nogutsnoglory

sashimi moriawase - bluefin tuna, salmon, ikura, shima aji, kanpachi
It’s ridiculous how good the fucking sashimi is here.

Santa Barbara uni
are my 'nads showing?

Oyaji Tofu

Enoki Mushrooms Wrapped with Bacon

Asajime Chicken Breast wrapped with Chicken Skin

Pork Ear

Tsukune - Grilled Ground Asajime Chicken

Asajime Chicken Thigh

Asajime Chicken Teba Wing

Duck with Balsamic Soy Sauce

Kurobuta Pork Cheek

Salmon belly

Crispy Fried Shrimp

Corn potato
Thanks for the rec @Chowseeker1999, really good.

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What is balsamic soy sauce?

Hi @PorkyBelly,

SO GOOD! :blush: Great pics, and the Santa Barbara Uni looks so fresh and amazing! Why is it Sunday when I see these pics?! :cry: :slight_smile:

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Idunno, they probably meant a balsamic vinegar and soy sauce glaze.

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Sounds odd, but okay. I’ll do a little home taste test and see how it comes out. Thanks!

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