Dine Like a World Diplomat at JAPAN HOUSE LA’s Inn Ann

(Gerry Furth-Sides) We knew immediately from the invitation for a new, modern kaiseki restaurant experience presented by INN ANN Los Angeles, JAPAN HOUSE, that it would be exquisite. We had already experienced the superlative food of first guest chef,  Taro Araki, Executive Chef for the Los Angeles Consul-General of Japan. //localfoodeater.com/kampai-love-sake-film/

The new Japanese kaiseki concept at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is named INN ANN or  “hidden retreat.”  Both the sleek, innovative new dining room and the cuisine are designed to encourage discovery and curiosity of Japanese culture, traditions, and rich heritage.   The jewel box of a 35-seat restaurant showcases an intimate, low gorgeous wood sushi bar and booths overlooking spectacular city views.

A rotating series of Japanese chefs are being recruited to lead the performance kitchen, all  highly accomplished Michelin-starred chefs, emerging talent, and highly revered masters, to introduce diners to Japanese culinary techniques, ingredients, and sensibilities.  Chef Taro Araki ensues that patrons not only experience Japan with all five senses but dine like foreign dignitaries.

The aim of INN ANN’s “Discover Umami,” motto is to foster awareness and appreciation for the delicate cuisine and distinct flavors of Japan.  Chefs are chosen to introduce various styles of Japanese cooking and tradition.

Chef Araki’s traditional but unique kaiseki opening menu focuses on seasonal California ingredients and produce   The parade of very small, intricately prepared dishes reveals one breathtaking dish after another.

Zensai, or small appetizers, starts off the Japanese haute cuisine parade. A refined, regal bowl holds Yuba Sashimi (Layers of silky tofu skin made from soy milk); Saikyo (Miso Marinated Grilled Cheese); Sesame Tofu Croquette; Temari Sushi (the round saffron sushi); Ichimatsu (Salmon and nagaimo yam); Kobaku Shrimp (Shrimp in Dashi Jelly); Japanese Omelet with the most subtle echo of Truffle); Japanese Micro Vegetable Crudité, and Tosai (a shot of soy milk and broth seasoned with a spicy Veggie Mix).

The set omakase menus are available in classic original and vegetarian versions.  Meticulously crafted and artistically plated dishes interspersed with beef and fish/seafood guide the diner to a balanced umami experience.

Chef’s Choice SASHIMI 

MAIN DISH (choice of one)

SUSHI Course

Nigiri Sushi

Miso Soup

DESSERT

A Chestnut Crème Brûlée represents the Chef Araki’s French-Japanese sensibility.  His  Signature Orange Purin captures the fresh essence of “orange” even in a cooked dessert.

The beverage program’s natural heavy focus shines on Japanese wines and spirits, including an extensive selection of rare sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskey in a thoughtful cocktail list curated to pair with the omakase dishes. Lamar suggested the most popular saké, MASUMI JUNMAI.  Our favorite was the KEN DGI SAKE, clear as a mountain stream and just as pure.

INN ANN reflects the best of Japan to immerse guests in the historic culture.  Dishes are  served on Arita-Yaki plates (the oldest version of Japanese porcelain), for example.   Lovely Japanese guest, Harouko, pointed out that even the ice buckets are actually historic Japanese rice bins.

Chef Taro Araki, who has served as the chef to the Consul-General of Japan in Los Angeles for over a decade and earned honored the Excellency Award by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2016, brings his decades of experience and culinary expertise to the opening omakese (set menu) concept, menus and execution.

The “hidden” location nestled within an intimate fifth-floor space at JAPAN HOUSE is easy to find — once you know where it is  — within the cavernous Hollywood & Highland location.

JAPAN HOUSE is an innovative, worldwide project with three hubs—London, Los Angeles, and Sao Paulo—conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Kenya Hara is Chief Creative Director for the project, which seeks to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community.

Newly opened Hollywood & Highland fifth floor inhabitant, INN ANN, around the corner of the sweeping row of shops, completes the two floor project of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. The year-old second floor features a gallery space and shop. The fifth floor includes the east-facing INN ANN and event space along with a serene library, affording guests grand views of the city.

INN ANN at JAPAN HOUSE, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028.  Hours:   Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30pm-10:00pm. Omakase menu (from $75-100). For more information, please visit the website or Facebook at Facebook.com/JapanHouseLA/.