Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 16, 2010

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