Yes I am a foodie and yes I haven’t ranked a new restaurant for quite a while on me blog so I do apologize.  Today I had the opportunity to check out a nice spot called Ippudo, a noodle franchise based in Japan that has recently opened up shop in New York. The wait alone in this place is an hour to two hours. The restaurant seems like a small japanese boutique restaurant but once you’re inside the place is spacious and wonderfully designed. I’ve had my fair share of ramen before but this place delivers a broth flavor which is to die for. I highly recommend you to order your noodles semi-hard to really enjoy all the intense flavoring that it has to offer.

Ippudo
65 4th Ave
New York, NY 10003-5220
(212) 388-0088

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

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Last night I was invited to dinner by Takuya (Gran Turismo). He mentioned a nice authentic Japanese spot in the west side and this place did not dissappoint. Bryant (Yeh Studio) also joined us. Whenever I have a chance to enjoy japanese cuisine, what resonates with me is how the portions are served and how each element is able to really stand out. The omakase presentation was very on point. Despite the sobering miso soup, what really took home the prize was the lotus dish that was pleasantly tasteful. I felt as if I was transported to the countryside of Japan. Definitely worth coming by again.

Wakasan
1929 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 446-5241

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

Washington D.C. is the state capitol of the United States. Yet often times than not, the city doesn’t necessarily have the most reputable namesake. Once declared the “Murder Capitol” of the world. The city possesses a split personality of grit and class. Omar Quiambao and Larry Incognito recognized the potential of a niche market in the city and decided to make a retail expansion beyond their Commonwealth store in Norfolk, Virginia in opening not one, but three stores all on the same block. Commonwealth and the Stussy DC chapter would soon open and later their latest upmarket retail store – For The Greater Good – followed suit. ”As our demographic matures, we’re able to introduce and offer choices that are completely relative to what they are growing out of,” Quiambao remarks, “DC is both urban and conservative, there’s not much of a grey area, I think what we offer is a bridge in where style and fashion is somewhat colorblind.”

For The Greater Good [FTGG] certainly appeals to this missing niche as they’re inventory carries an impressive array of brands ranging from A.P.C., Public School, Clarks, Maiden Noir, Red Wing, Stone Island and Wings and Horns. Starting in the fall, FTGG will carry Nom De Guerre and Raf Simons. Quiambao is concise with his words as he mentions, “This store is defintely more of a select store verse representing full lines and collections…we like to pick what we feel are the best pieces.”

For The Greater Good
1781 Florida Ave
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 387-0177

www.ftggshop.com

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

HUF opened up its first HUF Brand Flagship store in the Fairfax district. For those of you who have been following the HUF brand and store in San Francisco, you all know its history and its continual brand development. For the relative short time that HUF has been around, their collaborations with Nike, Vans, DVS, Adidas, New Era, Mosley Tribes and more recently with Dr. Romanelli, has proven that the HUF brand is ever versatile and offers a unique aesthetic staying true to the San Francisco streets. In my opinion, HUF has some of the best co-branded New Era hats out there, their color palette and fabric swatch choices are always on point. So it is with much pleasure I had a chance to see the the HUF LA store in person and take in the clean interior design housing its very own HUF branded goods from its choice of oxford shirtings, denim pants, fleece pieces, to a wide selection of accessories and bags. As expected, HUF delivers its collection in a very crisp manner. Prices are definitely affordable and the quality of the goods gives you the feel that the item will remain a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

HUF LA
410 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 944-0017

www.hufsf.com

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

I had a chance to check out the newly designed Mondrian Los Angeles the other night. They revamped their bar area to now include more seating area. Out went the long community table and the vibe in the area is more relaxed and chill. The rooms inside are decked out to look like some Alice and Wonderland theme. flat screen television screens are inside these large pivoting mirrors. In the suites, there are see through glass showers (use your imagination). The decor of the environment is lively and carefree. Of course the Skybar still maintains its exclusivity level. The view from the top floor is very impressive.  

Mondrian Los Angeles
8440 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

(323) 848-6086 

www.morganshotelgroup.com 

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

Keep Company has opened up their new storefront in the Fairfax district. Keep is carrying their full range of footwear alongside their new women’s apparel. You can also find Hamburger Eyes zine and t-shirts. The store is designed with a clean aesthetic. A welcome addition to the already heavily foot trafficked area. Be sure to swing by and say Mr. Kim sent ya!

Keep Store
523 North Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 655-1010

www.keepcompany.com

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

Tonight I had the pleasure to have dinner at Murano, a nice outpost in West Hollywood that serves Italian. The Chef prepares everything from scratch from the pasta to the sorbet to the chocolate. Dinner was exquisite. And for those who want to save a little, I’d recommend you to take advantage of the $12 Tuesday specials, select items are $12 flat. A bargain considering what you relish in. For the gentlemen out there, treat your ladies to this spot and enjoy yourselves.

Murano
9010 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 246-9118

http://murano9010.com 

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

Discovered a new spot tonight. Patrick (Mosley Tribes) took me to downtown to a taco truck located on 7th and Soto on the corner of a car wash. I ordered 6 tacos, 4 carne asada and 2 al pastor. These babies tasted amazing! I always trip out how each truck that has a distinct taste. This truck in particular really delivered. The horchata is on point as well.

Taco Truck
7th & Soto
(323) 816-4475

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

Good pizza is hard to come by in LA. Cristoni is a new spot in West LA that exudes authenticity from its eccentric pizza chef to the italian pizza oven that is in square view of its customers. I decided to try out some of their non meat pizzas and I was thoroughly impressed. Be sure to swing by this spot and treat yourself too with a bottle of Galvanina, sparkling water of the Romans for over 2,000 years. If it was good enough for the emperors, it’s good enough for you!

Cristoni Pizzeria
8539 W. Sunset Blvd, Suite 7 (between Alta Loma and La Cienega)
West Hollywood
(310) 657-8931

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

One of my favorite watering holes in LA is the H.M.S Bounty. This is the ultimate quiet bar where everyone knows your name. A place where there are regulars. So regular in fact, they even pay homage to those who have passed by nailing brass tags of their names inscribed on the bar itself. Drinks aren’t too pricey and the pace is as mellow as ever. It’s not a loud bar, it’s a place where you can hear people break their peanut shells and drone onward about the politics of our day. For the quiet soul in all of us, be sure to peep it.

H.M.S. Bounty
3357 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010-1803
Phone: (213) 385-7275

On a 1 to 5 Mr. Kim heads, we give this:

     
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www.thehmsbounty.com