Aburiya Raku
After the mess that was Rosaline, we had to make things right, so we headed a few blocks over to something we knew could deliver: Aburiya Raku.
Pork Intestine Skewer:
Is it sad that the very first, simple Kushiyaki Skewer from Raku blew away everything we had at Rosaline earlier? This was delicious! the crisped exterior, wonderful tender interior, nicely balanced Tare Sauce.
Kirinzan - Junmai Daiginjo Sake - Niigata, Japan:
After the fantastic first taste at Mori Sushi, we jumped at the offering of Kirinzan at Raku. As floral, but dry as before. Such a fantastic Sake!
Beef Tendon Skewer:
Fantastic.
(New) Corn Potato Skewer:
This was new item that the kitchen makes from time-to-time. It’s not on the menu, but our waitress mentioned they would introduce it like a “daily special” until it sells out for the day.
They core out the inside of a Corn on the Cob and stuff it with Potato, and then grill it over their Binchotan Charcoal! And it is delicious! The natural sweetness in the Corn kernels really goes well with the grilled Potato, which is seasoned by the kitchen already.
Grilled Hamachi (Yellowtail) Belly:
Immediate entry for Best Bite of 2017! Raku normally offers some type of “Fish Belly” each evening, and thanks to @PorkyBelly for the recommendation, we finally got their Yellowtail Belly (their Salmon Belly is nothing to sneeze at either though ;)).
Imagine this Crisped Fish Skin, grilled over Binchotan Charcoal, which gives way to this supremely luscious, buttery Hamachi Belly! It is SO GOOD! It was indescribable how amazing this tasted!
This was a truncated visit, since we had already had part of a meal at Rosaline, but Raku continues to deliver, and thankfully salvaged the rest of the evening, delivering fantastic bites and some great Sake to end the night.
Aburiya Raku
521 N. La Cienega Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90048
Tel: (213) 308-9393
http://aburiyarakula.wixsite.com/weho