Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com
GOOD FOOD & DRINK
8
Mountain Views News Saturday, October 16, 2010
JAPON BISTRO
Over the last five years I have become friends with Clarence ”Koji”
Wong, the owner of Japon Bistro in Pasadena. I have been an observer,
taster, fan, advisor, and sometime troubled spirit as I watched a proud man
be seared by the realities of the restaurant business. What I have seen over
the years is a sense of unwavering vision in a man that reminds me of our
ancestors and the difficulties and determination that eventually made this
country great. So, it has been this man and his devotion and unrelenting
determination to give Pasadena his vision of a Restaurant that has left an
impression on this restaurant critic. Japon Bistro is the Japanese Menu at its
best, with a Sushi Bar and main dining room that will appeal to the senses
of even the most discriminating diner. At Japon Bistro you will encounter a
sense of pride that is inspiring. The type of pride of personal responsibility and freshness of product
that is achieved the old-fashioned way. I believe freshness has to be the fundamental element in any
great Sushi restaurant and they insure it here. Koji personally drives down to the LA Fish Market at
least four times a week to select and buy the fish for the restaurant. You say, “Impossible!” Not in this
day and age! Koji has the pictures to prove it. Would you rather taste fish from a man that drives
down to the docks and takes his time to select the fish he serves his customers, or from a place that
has fish delivered to it? I say, “Keep driving, Koji”.
Over the years Koji has remained steadfast to not become a two-for-one sushi restaurant and
lose the freshness and quality that is his pride. I must admit, a few years ago when business was
struggling, I even suggested to Koji, that he go that path, and adapt to the market structure, but Koji
was resolute, “No two-for-one Sushi.” I knew that he was drawing a line in the sand. Pride can be
a great thing, a needed thing, but could he make his vision last long enough to catch on? I had my
doubts!
Koji wasn’t standing still, though, for he re-invented the restaurant by adding an extensive Sake
selection to pair along with his Japon Bistros menu. If names
such as Nigori, Dalginjo, Junmai, confuse you, don’t worry, Japon
Bistro has expanded their selection of Sake to a such place that
owner Koji Wong has created the Sake Institute of America right
in the restaurant. Who said going back to school wasn’t fun?
And what exactly does that mean for you and me? An incredible
selection of sake’s for sure, but also knowledge that is generously
offered. Japon Bistro offers a way to ease into this new taste
sensation. Yes, Sake Parings are available throughout the day. It
has hints of that same great idea in wine and food. Here you can
enjoy, to my knowledge, LA’s only house made Sparkling Sake,
and of course you can order from their regular Sake menu.
Let’s talk about Koji’s food: Bistro Mini Crab Cakes ($8) my
recent selection, Koji’s Crispy rice topped with Spicy Tuna ($7),
Tatsutage - Japanese Fried Chicken ($5) and Salmon Ceviche
tostadas at ($6). Other Regular menu items include many of
the names that you are familiar with: Sashimi and Sushi, rib eye
steaks, tempura and a variety of noodles. Koji has truly created a
one of a kind restaurant experience and you are sure to enjoy this
true Japanese Food experience.
Japon Bistr,o 927 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. (626) 744-1751
Please listen to my radio show this Saturday Night at 9 PM on KABC Talk Radio 790
What is your favorite sushi spot? Email me at the chefknows @yahoo.com
Cafe322 - 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. - Sierra Madre, CA 91024
- Phone (626) 836-5414 Fax: (626) 836-5787
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YoGamaDreNew students only.
Limited time offer.
NIKO’S
SCRAPBOOKING
EVENT
Two sessions: Oct 30 or Oct
31
Limited seating, book early!
$20 per person Fee
includes:
- Scrapbooking supplies for
making 2 pages
- Hotdog or sandwich, soda
and snacks
- Use of Cricut machine and
other scrapbooking equipment
No pictures? no problem! For
$10, you can have 4 pictures
taken and printed on-site
To reserve: email your name
and phone number to Niko@
nikoandfriendscafe.com
or drop by the cafe - 900
Valley View Pasadena (at
Michillinda)
Saturday, October 23rd
8:30-11:00am
15 E. Foothill Blvd., Arcadia
Donation: $5.00 Adults / $3.00 Children 12 & under
Pumpkin Patch • Bake Walk • Games • Music • Balloon Twisting • Art & Crafts
Henna Tattoos • Face Painting • Raffle • Book Sale • Smokey Bear
Arcadia Fire Truck • Silent Auction • Shoulder Massages
Arcadia Explorers • SWAT Armored Bear Cat Vehicle
1959 Ford Fairlane • Children’s Fingerprint Kits
Coldwell Banker
Arcadia Regional Office’s
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Costumes Welcome!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Please Join Us for a Great Cause &
A Great Breakfast!
For Tickets & Information:
Call 626.445.5500
As we have proven in past years, this is not
just your ordinary Pancake Breakfast!
Guess the
Weight &
Win the Giant
Pumpkin!
All Proceeds Will Benefit YWCA “WINGS”
Domestic Violence Service
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