Hinoki & the Bird - Los Angeles, CA

We dined at Hinoki & the Bird this past trip to LA, and like most of its audience, we were wowed by everything we tasted. Below are some of our recommendations.

Start with the Lobster Roll. If you are with hungry company, order your own. Husband and I have the game of food splitsies on lock, but we were definitely happy we got one each. The flavors of green curry and Thai basil are delicate, and the blackened Japanese charcoal bread is a dramatic vehicle for generous pieces of lobster.

Move from the subtle flavors of the Lobster Roll to the Beef Tartare, which is a creamy blend of parmigiano, sesame seeds, and quail egg.

We concluded the appetizers with the chili Crab Toast. The boldness of the spicy cucumber and coriander mix provided a strong start to our main course.

The star of the show is this Hinoki-scented Black Cod, which is hidden under a paper-thin shaving of smoked wood, and surrounded by sweet potato, pistachio, and mushrooms. The black cod is exquisitely prepared, with crispy skin and buttery meat.

Save room for the other star of the show! On the left is a Miso Mochi in a bed of butterscotch, topped with Japanese chili pepper. We're all about sweet and savory, yet didn't know what to expect with miso and butterscotch, but it was an incredible combination! I could have eaten 10. I wish I could buy them in a pack at Uwajimaya. On the right is the Vietnamese Coffee "Snow Cone" with condensed milk ice cream and coconut jelly.

I hope you have a delicious Friday! Are you eating anywhere fun this weekend?