sugarfish by sushi nozawa

Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa had been on my must-visit list for a while now. This Los Angeles-based hotspot gets rave reviews from practically everyone for serving super fresh, high-quality sushi, sashimi, and hand rolls. More recently,  they've even opened a New York location as well. Sugarfish is known for its authentic and traditional Tokyo-style sushi, while working hard to combine old school values with new school vision. This means the best fish every morning, the rice is served warm, and the seaweed is a bit crisp, making for the swooniest sushi-eating experience of my life! You won't find any "American style" extravagant rolls or fusion dishes here, but rather pure, basic ingredients prepared in the best way.

The menu is quite small and to the point, and while you can choose to order a la carte, I highly recommend one of their Japanese omakase options. My "Trust Me" included a wonderful sampling of the freshest fish, including edamame, tuna sashimi, albacore, salmon, yellowtail, snapper, and scallop sushi, plus toro and blue crab hand rolls! Nozawa even makes his own soy and ponzu sauces, which are the perfect complement to the simplicity of the fish. Sugarfish's traditional vibe may not be for everyone (no extra sauce, salt, or rice is given; no avocado, brown rice, or soy paper available etc.), however, I definitely urge you to try it out for the experience alone! With multiple locations in Los Angeles, I'm already planning a return visit soon!


honey hi

that grain bowl // breakfast bowl

For a cute little brunch or lunch spot in Echo Park, you really can't beat Honey Hi. Their focus on nutritional integrity and sustainability really comes through in each fresh and vibrant dish. Just look at those colors! I love that they value collaborations with local farmers and artisans (organic and locally-sourced produce is used whenever possible), and the menu changes with what's available seasonally at the farmers markets. While the entire menu is inherently gluten-free, they believe in "radical inclusivity", meaning it is not vegan, vegetarian, or any one thing in particular. Honey Hi serves organic, humanely-raised animals and eggs from local farms, but you won't find any refined sugars, GMO's, or vegetable oils in any of their dishes. Basically, you can feel really good about eating here, and your body will definitely thank you for nourishing it with such high quality, delicious eats. There's truly something for everyone here, but so far I definitely recommend "that grain bowl" (I die for the cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes, za'atar tahini sauce & cashew buckwheat dukkah!), and I know my husband would go nuts for the "lambwich" (with grilled halloumi, turmeric pickled onions & date tamarind chutney). Yum! There are tons of tasty drinks here too- from pitaya smoothies to bone broth to medicinal 'shroom coffee, the options are endless. Don't skip out on the grain-free chocolate chip cookie for the perfect sweet ending!