Mishima

Heading to West Hollywood on an empty stomach is not a good idea. There are very few good places to eat, unless you want to go for burgers or pizza. Marvin almost always wants to feel satisfied..meaning he wants rice, so last Friday without much enticement, we ended at Mishima along 3rd Street close by the Beverly Center Connection.

Inexpensive, fast, quality Japanese style eats. Decor is modern and do find time to admire their choice of decor and artwork, usually done by Japanese modern artists. Start with cold barley tea and endless choices of Soba, chirashi, tempura, oyako don, fried shitakes, black cod, salmon. The bento boxes can be quite filling. I haven't tried the sushi rolls though, probably won't with all the other entrees in their well chosen menu. Check out the dessert showcase and try the delicate Pyramid or Zenzai if you're into red beans. No salt and pepper on the table, but little cute containers of seaweed seasoning, chili powder, tempura crumbs and soy sauce which I have thought about taking a dozen times, but wouldn't for fear of being barred to enter the wonderful world of Mishima.

Mini-bento for $9.00 comes with miso soup, 4 pcs of california rolls, tuna salad, salmon and rice.
Beverly Hills, Torrance and West L.A. locations open too.

http://www.mishima.com/restaurants/index_restaurants.html

I am not sure if Mishima and Famima is connected, but a trip to Famima is a must for people who love 7-Eleven. Famima finally opened a store along Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood offering sandwiches, lunch boxes, fresh brewed coffee, a wide range of beverages, chinese buns, sweets, japanese groceries and sundries. All premium items at a bit more expensive than the local convenience stores, but well set-up you would have to buy something and come back for more. How about those mini Haagen Daaz cups?


http://www.famima-usa.com/index.html