Sushi Central-Closed

Sushi Central
3500 Overland Ave
#100
Los Angeles
310-202-6866

I first heard of Sushi Central after the owner beat that douchebag, Bobby Flay, in a sushi contest on a Food Network show. To be honest, I wasn't impressed he beat the douchebag, Bobby Flay, since that last thing that douchebag would know is how to make sushi. The douchebag is one of the most overrated celebrity chefs ever. His food and style of cooking sucks. And really, when it comes to sushi, it takes a long time to become a good sushi chef, I mean come on, almost any sushi chef worth a damn can beat that douchebag, Bobby Flay.

But I found some very good reviews of Sushi Central, so I decide to try it. The one thing about Sushi Central is that there is already sauce on the sushi. Don't make the mistake of dipping it into soy sauce or wasbi, there is enough of both. I got the:

Tuna sushi, $5.50. This was so fresh and so good. They use very good quality sushi here. The tuna had a wonderful color, flavor and texture. I could tell right away it was the best quality sushi I have had.

Jumbo Scallop, $7.00. I was impressed with the presentation. Again top quality sushi that was very fresh. This had a sweet sauce that just added to the flavor. A much better texture than any other scallop I've ever had.

Yellowtail, $6.50. Very fresh, great texture and great flavor. WOW. Just wow.

Bluecrab handroll, $10. WOW am I back in Maryland? There was at least a pound of bluecrab in here, the crab was filled all the way down the roll and packed high. The bluecrab was amazingly fresh and tasty. A steal at $10.

The sushi portions may seem a bit small but the quality is well worth the price. There is no question that top quality sushi is pricey but when done right, like at Sushi Central, it is worth it.

Service at the sushi bar was very good. The owner was serving us and was helpful and very nice and friendly.

I would go back to Sushi Central anytime. What a great dining experience.

Western Smoke House-Closed

Western Smoke House
10640 Woodbine St
# 104
Los Angeles
310-837-3544

Western Smoke House has been on my list to try for over three months. I am rarely in that area and when I am, I will usually going somewhere else. But today I decided to go try it. I'm glad I did. Western Smoke House is a Texas style BBQ. But unlike many Texas BBQ places, they know how to BBQ pork ribs.

I got the pork ribs, $13.99, a la carte. They have a pork rib dinner for $19.99 but I don't need to be eating cole slaw or mac salad. While the ribs were a bit dry, I'm guessing they have been in the warmer a bit too long, they were very good. You will notice a nice bark and the classic smoke ring. They are smoked right. The ribs are tender and flavorful from the mesquite wood. But they aren't overpowered by the smoke.

If you go in a group, get the Texan, where you get one slab of pork ribs, and three other meats for $60!!!! The three ladies at the other table ordered the Texan and the brisket and fried chicken looked awesome.

Service is Ok. The owner is very nice, super nice. But service can be slow. I didn't get my drink and had to remind her of it. And it took awhile for the ribs to come out. Not sure why, there were only three other people there.

I would go back to Western Smoke House again. The ribs were good enough, in spite of the dryness, that I'm sure a fresh batch of ribs from the smoker would be great. The slightly higher prices for the ribs would prevent me from coming back.