Ichijiku Sushi

I walked into Ichijiku with a sense of celebration. I took myself out after a day of successes. I needed something that felt like I was in New York. But –  that afterward, I could drive home and snuggle my pets in bed.

I was originally placed at the sushi bar. Which was comfortable and cozy all on its own.

But then, when I saw a few people move from the window, I requested window seating. It was absolutely perfect. I wanted to watch the world pass before me.

Classic nostalgia hits played in the background. Sheryl Crow strummed out the lyrics to “If It Makes You Happy,” which blend into  “Connection” by Elastica. The lyric “somehow the vital connection is made….” led into the opening notes of “Stupid Girl” by Garbage. I felt – at home.

I felt that it was the universe saying yes – to me and to living the dream I visualized.

Sometimes, I’m a paradox. Even to get out of my house that night, I had to tell myself that I had to get out, that I needed to celebrate my successes. Because, there is something special about a woman celebrating her accomplishments, even at a seat for one.

As I sat at the window, I watched lovers, friends meeting for dinner, and curious onlookers walk by. I sipped my HOUSE wine as the noise hummed behind me. The Miso Soup and Edamame was also delicious.

The Yellowtail & Jalapeño Sashimi and Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice was also delicious.

The Nigiri (Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail, Salmon, Branzino with Yuzu Kosho, Albacore with House Ponzu & Dressing, Bluefin Chutoro) was also perfection on a plate.

When my baked crab and Yellowtail Habanero Aioli cut rolls arrived, I was bopping my head to No Doubt’s “Sunday Morning.” I was happy that I was set to see them perform in Vegas in May.

Service was quick and efficient. 

Slowly,  realized that instead of feeling as overwhelming at WTF as 2025 had been, 2026 was finally feeling – okay.

What I loved about sitting at the window is that I saw people, existing. Beyond online discourse. Beyond separation politics. But, as other humans living their life and existing before me. but walking humans that I probably would never see again. This is the humanity of being alive. These people exist in my same timeline, in Los Angeles. They have their own lives, their own hopes and fears. And for a moment, they passed through my reality.

Privately, I wondered if I was boring. I mean, here I was – in my 40s – finally getting used to my body. I saw myself and compared myself to how I was in my 20s, haphazardly. Earlier in the day, I’d noticed that my under-chin was dropping. I had grey hairs. My body didn’t look like it used to.

But seated in Highland Park, I reminded myself that there is a time for every season of your life. And maybe this year, I’d a child and get to discover the world through their eyes. Or, maybe not. But, that didn’t make me any less of a human worthy of life and pleasure.

I felt absolutely alive with the vibrant energy of Los Angeles. It was such a filling dinner that I had to take my last two bites of the cut sushi rolls to go. No doubt I would enjoy those last bites as a late-night snack. But there was dessert to be had.

The Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream was a fitting final piece to the well portioned meal.

In a world built seemingly to break us apart by focusing on our differences, my night allowed me to focus on how we are all the same. For the first time in a while, I felt the essence of how human we all are, connected by the sheer force of being alive at the same time, in the same dimension, in the same city.

I saw a vibrant city. With so many people showing their unique ness through fashion choices. But, all being people living in America – just doing the best they can to live. 

America was broken. But with care and consideration, we would be okay.

As I settled the bill and reflected, my dinner at Ichijiku Sushi was perhaps one of the absolute best Dine LA meals I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying in Los Angeles.

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