Torigoya is a delicious Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, serving yakitori and more in the Little Tokyo area of Downtown Los Angeles, California
After dinner with Matt at F&Bar, I loved the experience so much that I became friendly with our bartender, Angel. One day, I asked him if another place he worked, Far Bar, had a decent food menu along with great drinks. He admitted that they did have a small menu. But, suggested that if I was hungry for more substantial, I should consider going to Torigoya.
After realizing that Torigoya was located in Weller Court, it was easy to park and get to.
I remember when Weller Court shopping complex housed my favorite jazz club in Los Angeles. Blue Whale Bar was amazing. But, it didn’t survive COVID.
After being shown a seat at the bar, I quickly surveyed the menu and the overall vibe of the space.
Browsing the menu, I ordered the BREAST, THIGH, MEATBALL, EGGPLANT and ZUCCHINI. I also ordered the RICE and YUZU SPECIAL SAUCE.
The yakatori smelled amazing. Even though Torigoya is well ventilated, the visual and olfactory senses were stimulated.
As for the main dishes, the Chicken Breast came out first, with wasabi dotting the pieces.
Then, the Grilled Eggplant arrived.
Next up was the Meatball and Chicken Thigh.
Finally, the Zucchini.
Now, I will be honest and say that the dab of Yuzu sauce you get, for the price you pay, is ridiculously way too small. A literal dollop for $2.50? Not worth it. With the dab of yuzu I received, I used it to flavor certain pieces of food. However, instead of being citrus forward, it felt way too salty for my taste.
Sitting at the bar, with my camera in my hand, I realized that I want to fall in love with my life again. Truly, with the pleasure of being alive. Of creating and presenting art without being bound to the outside gaze of approval.
Earlier, while writing at Groundfloor, I felt a sense of resistance to something intangible. I also felt a weird sense of loss. I couldn’t put it in to words. But, I feel in the middle of a transition.
However, during this meal – I realized I’m actually really satisfied in my life. Truly, I am. I have bouts of anxiety but I firmly believe I have a solid anchor in my partner, friends and extended family.
And sometimes, that’s all you need to make you smile.
Torigoya
123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St, Unit #203Los Angeles, California 90012
