I think I agree with you, with the only caveat that LA really lacks high-end Korean (such as JungSik in NYC). But yeah, in terms of variety, hard to top it.
I hope you’re right, but there are many types of ethnic cuisines that LA lacks in terms of high-end dining. The aforementioned Korean, as well as Indian and Mexican to some extent. Heck, LA even lacks in high end Chinese if you really think about it.
I think when people in LA really want high-end dining, they can just go to Vegas.
Think about how crappy DTF was as recently as 5 yrs ago before the remodel in Arcadia. I’m mean seriously did you even have a place in SGV to bring a baller from Asia and not feel totally embarrassed about how crappy the local joints are.
Fast forward 2015, you’ve got Endo, Yazawa… Agree, not there yet on high end but we’re starting to see a shift in that direction… emphasis on tiny little green shoots my friend…
JZhou is much more high end than Elite or Sea Harbour for dinner. You’ll never get the LA guys to admit it but everything from service to utensils to decor is a notch above. Also the live seafood preps are more unique.
3-5 years ago I proposed on CH that the the epicenter for Chinese cuisine would migrate south and east. Ipse disagreed. Not even the best is always right
Time will continue to show the southward migration of Chinese cuisine. Especially the high end. Will it ever be as numerous or large as SGV? No. But it will be more top heavy on the high end spectrum and the best will probably end up down here. In some ways, it already is. Even the Sam Woo here is fancier. I’m guessing the first branch of Crystal Jade or Lei Garden will be down here. Not SGV.
But be that as it may, I think the area that is really ripe for growth isn’t just east, but east east. As in Diamond Bar and eventually Chino. And maybe someday Palm Springs.