Like Dad, Like Son Restaurants in LA for Father’s Day

June 15, 2018

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) Cheers to the immigrant dads who originated successful restaurants now taken over by their sons or daughters. What better places to celebrate Father’s Day?

First up is Kura Sushi Restaurant, the realm of a sophisticated Korean father-son team (Sunny and Daniel Son), offering the finest seasonal sushi and omakase dinners prepared in true traditional Japanese style. Sister/daughter, Annie, is the charming manager.

Korean father-son team (Sunny, Daniel Son)

Embracing both family and community, modest KURA has established itself as a “Purveyor of Fine Sushi and Japanese Cuisine” since it opened 15 years ago in a Sunset Boulevard strip mall. Chef Daniel added to his family experience with extensive study in Japan and cheffing with Wolfgang Puck. “Audaciously refreshing” describes the experience best.

Effervescent manager, Annie, Chef Daniel’s sister

In Japan, the “Kura” was historically a village storehouse holding precious heirlooms and provisions to support the local community. It proves to be an accurate description.

The beautiful porcelain bowl holds Chowan Mushi, a traditional Japanese first course to introduce the meal at Kura.

Dessert shows off the best of Chef Daniel’s playful Korean influence, along with his work at world-famous restaurants. He adds ice cream to make a sundae of street food, Taiyaki, the little red bean paste and custard-filled fish batter mold cookies.

Taiyaki dessert basket at KURA SUSHI

Kura – www.kura-sushi.com //localfoodeater.com/korean-father-son-perfect-japanese-sushi-at-kura/
8162 Sunset Blvd (at Crescent Heights in West Hollywood., Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323) 656-6347

marino Ristorante in East Hollywood was only one of the wildly successful restaurants created by Ciro Marino. Los Angeles Magazine’s “best” pick restaurant host, Mario Marino, shares responsibilities with Brother Sal (former owner-chef of Il Grano, La Bottega Marino), oversees the kitchen. Marino ristorante is one of the 31 restaurants in Los Angeles to be awarded The “Ospitalita’ Italiana – Seal of Authenticity”.

Ciro Marino at the famous Villa Capri

Mario serving the signature whole branzino tableside

Mario and Rosanna Marino (middle) host childhood friends from Naples at Marino

Dad Ciro (who passed away in 2009) created Marino Ristorante as an old-school formal dining room in 1979. Innovator Ciro became famous for the first outdoor dining cafe on the Sunset Strip and for his “to-go” kitchen, the first “take out” for fine dining.

“Marino” means “the sea,” and here fish and seafood star among the Neapolitan comfort dishes. Sons Mario and Sal continue the tradition of carefully picking out the freshest fish and seafood at the downtown markets.

Grilled Squid alla grilia at marino ristorante -a favorite since opening day (mine too!)

Light, airy Calamari Fritti (squid rings) at marino ristorante

The Marinos are famous for their extensive, award-winning wine cellar and the signature ricotta cheesecake. It is still is a popular item at many of the invitational charity events around town.