USATODAY.com - Hamasaku: Sublime sushi
Posted 3/6/2006 12:07 AM
Hamasaku: Sublime sushiBy Dana Meltzer, Special for USA TODAY
WEST LOST ANGELES  In a town where celebrities flock from one trendy restaurant to the next faster than you can say VIP list, there's something to be said for garnering loyalty. Gellar and owner Kihara created a dish with tuna, avacado and jalapeños.
Hamasaku, a 6-year-old sushi restaurant, has developed a loyal fan base among celebrities despite its location in a nondescript strip mall flanked by an Italian cafe and a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Inside this tiny, dimly lit restaurant, A-list actors, studio executives and powerful producers feast on 60 kinds of rolls, traditional sushi, homemade desserts and imported sake.
Stars including Justin Timberlake, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lindsay Lohan and Scarlett Johanssen are just a few of the regulars. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen held their 18th birthday party here. Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman hired the staff for their wedding rehearsal dinner, and Charlize Theron celebrated her 30th in style.
To thank his famous clientele for their patronage, owner Toshi Kihara, who's opening a second location in June, provides a menu of celebrity sushi rolls inspired by his marquee customers. Kihara collaborated with Sarah Michelle Gellar to create her namesake tuna, avocado and jalapeño cut roll.
Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova share a passion for salmon, yellowtail and spicy tuna, while Scrubs creator/executive producer Bill Lawrence favors the lobster, spicy tuna and yellowtail wrapped in soy paper. Says Lawrence: "The coolest thing is bringing somebody for the first time, pulling up in front of this strip mall and knowing that you're bringing them to the best sushi restaurant in Los Angeles."
About Hamasaku: Hamasaku Sushi prices start at $5; sashimi is $10-$22 11043 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-479-7636 Newspaper Home Delivery - Subscribe Today