i'd like my scallops grilled, please

With June nearly over, I realized I need to get started on my 30 before 30.

My favorite college roommate JKM came to visit for a weekend of beaches, boutiques, and good eats.  After working our way across Los Angeles (including, but not limited to, Grub, Pizzeria Mozza, and Cliff's Edge), we trekked over to Katsu-ya in Studio City in an attempt to cross off the first item on the list.

I consider myself a fairly adventurous eater; I'm definitely willing to try almost anything.  However, in regards to sushi, I'm pretty safe, typically ordering spicy tuna rolls and shrimp tempura rolls (and yes, I realize the latter doesn't even really count).  Ordering omakase, which translates to "entrust", leaves the decisions entirely up to the chef.  

After scoping out the menu, which offered two different multi-course options for omakase,  we chose the five-course, mostly-raw option.  The quality of the fish was incredibly fresh and all of the dishes were beautifully plated.

However, in hindsight, five courses might have been a bit ambitious...

Menu

albacore sashimi

sushi: tuna, yellowtail, salmon with cavier, snapper

spanish mackerel, albacore, snapper in ponzu sauce

jumbo scallop, snow crab, salmon roe, sea urchin, premier yellowtail

unagi, fried potato topped with spicy tuna, imitation crab rolls and real crab rolls

bonus! strawberry ice cream

Yum! Salmon Roe!

-  Albacore sashimi is freaking amazing, great texture and kind of buttery.  I inhaled this in about three minutes and would have been perfectly happy if this was all five courses.

-  Salmon roe... Man, those cute little orange bubbles are deceptive.  I thought the glossy jewel-like beads would be filled with happiness.  Instead, it was of a sudden burst of salt and fish oil.  I really did want to like it...

-  Unagi is surprisingly delicious.  JKM compared the sweetly-glazed grilled eel to Texas BBQ, so I was sold before even trying it.

-  I think I prefer my scallops cooked.  With pasta.  And lots of butter.

The verdict?  I did confirm for the 3000th time that I totally have texture issues with fish, but I think maybe I should start branching out beyond specialty rolls.

1 down, 29 to go!