Some people consider sushi master Kazunomi Nozawa the "sushi Nazi" of Los Angeles, thanks to years of his giving customers at Studio City's Sushi Nozawa sushi as he sees fit. Now, as Squid Ink reports, it seems the reign of "tyranny" is coming to an end: Sushi Nozawa will close on February 29. more ›

I am a big fan of Sushi Nozawa. It was the first place I ever had sushi (I know, I'm lucky!) and I've always thought that his reputation as the "Sushi Nazi" is unwarranted. Now that Japanese style Omakase (where the chef prepares what he thinks is best from the day's catch) is more widespread, I've hoped that he would lose the reputation, but it hasn't been the case. Fortunately, Nozawa also has a well deserved buzz about making great sushi. When in his mini-mall digs in Studio City, he's never steered me wrong, but I've always found brother shop, Sasabune, to be problematic (though I haven't tried it since it moved to its new location) as the sushi seems curiously pre-made. more ›

Oh, great sadness! An organization has tested the tuna served at local temples of sushi (Matsuhisa, Sushi Nozawa) and found the mercury levels to be twice the FDA standard; some came close to having so much mercury so the fish should not have been sold at all. Is marguro the new fugu? more ›

For starters, the 2005 Zagat reveals some interesting trends. Angelenos eat out more frequently than the average American. We forgo home cooking on average of 3.8 times a week in contrast to the average habit of eating out 3.3 times. Despite the increased hike in the cost of living in LA, we shell out an average $30.17 per meal, a mere 56 cents more than last year. It's still below the $30.95 you'll spend on average in any given American city, and considerably less than the mean cost of a meal in New York City ($37.06). We also contain more top-rated Asian restaurants than any other city in the U.S. more ›

The East Valley alone boasts more great sushi than all of the five boroughs combined. I'll start off with (what else?) the incomparable Sushi Nozawa, located in a strip mall at the corner of Eureka and Ventura. 5 days a week, Master Nozawa serves up eye-popping nigiri and unbelievable crab hand rolls. Food critics and Chowhound forum folks like to complain about the chef's demeanor, but we don't see what all the fuss is about. After many trips, LAist has only seen one person ever get thrown out of the restuarant, and she totally deserved it. This joint is worth the wait line, and it's worth the prices (a full meal will set you back $35-40). The baby tuna sashimi appetizer will literally send a chill up your spine. TRUST ME! more ›