Geisha House

Following true Hollywood standards, things here are not always what they seem.  When you walk down the dark ramp from the side door entering Geisha House, you might question where the hallway leads.  But the non-descript exterior quickly fades into a sensory overload of a sexy candlelit Tokyo.  As contemporary as traditional gets, this underground hot spot with traditional Japanese cuisine is so much more than another Los Angeles sushi joint. 

Romance runs rapid as the seating area overlooks a contemporary panorama of a Tokyo street scene.  Candlelit tables give way to a floor-to-ceiling tower of red fire places, drawing the eye up to a second tier of seating.  The wait staff is truly on hand to serve and set the mood as patrons are made to feel special and comfortable; able to focus on each other.  The sexy mood of this Tokyo time warp is truly a breath of fresh air in the hectic Los Angeles jungle. 

Head chef Genichi “Gen” Mizoguchi, formerly of Megu in New York, oversees a huge menu that is laid out like a customary style Japanese dinner.  Blending traditional knowledge with contemporary style, popular entrees range from a truly amazing grilled Kobe beef steak to a unique assortment of Sushi rolls like “The Cowboy Roll,” consisting of filet of beef, asparagus, red bell pepper and scallions.  As if there were room for more, pastry chef Mario Ortiz prepares a list of treats that are almost too good to eat.  

The lounge is good for much more than its plush wall seating or constant flow of Japanese themed programming billowing from a wall of televisions.  Geisha House boasts ten specialty cocktails that are every bit as good they are unique.  Drinks made with Japanese cucumbers, Godiva White, fresh ginger or kiwi only open the door of indulgence.  Sake flights and an impressive selection of wines complete an extensive bar menu.

Brought to you by the same restaurant gurus who conceptualized other Hollywood hot spots like Dolce Enoteca and The Lodge, Geisha House has a barrage of celebrity investors like Ashton Kutcher, Christopher Masterson, Wilmer Valderrama, Laura Prepon and Jamie Kennedy.  This newcomer to the restaurant scene is sure to maintain a high profile list of clientele. 

And with this exquisite menu, and trendy Hollywood style, you just never know who will show up. 

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Josh Gloer, Freelance Writer

TABLE 8

Somewhere in between Melrose Avenue’s never ending supply of vintage tee’s and overpriced haircuts lies one of Los Angeles best kept secrets.  Its own discreet sign is overshadowed by the radiant “Tattoo” sign overhead, but despite its location Table 8 manages to be a subtle, but trendy Hollywood eatery. 

On the inside, Melrose’s graffiti and bus fumes melt away into a sophisticated New York style eatery.  Hollywood’s A-list including Elton John, Sharon Stone and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos are said to grace this candle lit haven, transported from the Los Angeles norm. Romance wafts through the dinning room glow on the scent of pleasure, courtesy of the kitchen.  A wall lined with comfy booths caters to the dinner crowd. The lounge serves a lighter fair as patrons are encouraged to sit at the high tables cleverly shaped like the number “8” as they nibble on smaller portions from the lounge’s own menu.

False impressions don’t end with the building’s façade.  Co-owner and talented head chef Govind Armstrong doesn’t look like your typical chef, but don’t let his long dreadlocks fool you.  Armstrong’s face appears in the press nearly as much as it does in the kitchen as word of his celebrated style and innovation spreads.   Since he was tutored by master chef Wolfgang Puck at age 13, you would expect great things, and Armstrong and company definitely deliver.  Try the soft shell crab appetizer or the duck breast as an entrée.  Maybe try some Kobe Beef or sweet breads.  It doesn’t really matter because it’s all good here as Armstrong makes the simplest of American cuisine pop with both flavor and originality.
 

At Table 8, plush leather chairs and white table cloths lend an air of classy comfort as Chef Armstrong entertains the mouth. It is the perfect spot for a romantic evening for two as its subtle design and quiet ambience is refreshing compared to bombardment of other trendy hotspots. It’s clear that Table 8 focuses on the food. 

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Josh Gloer, Freelance Writer