Sushi is an art — the bright palate of colors, the craftsmanship, the presentation and, of course, the taste. Famed Chef Kenny Yamada puts his art on display (for you to eat) in the two-week-long series Sushi Pop Art at Royal/T in Culver City, CA.

The Experience

“Sushi Pop Art is the use of sushi and other Japanese ingredients and foods to create art,” Chef Kenny tells us. Chef Kenny was mentored by Wolfgang Puck and is well-known in the sushi world. He’s credited with the opening of Katsuya restaurant in Encino and he appeared as a guest judge on FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen.” He says he wanted the Sushi Pop Art experience to be “something different from your typical sushi restaurant, something with style yet tastes delicious.”

That’s exactly what it is … an experience. Guests are presented with a nine-course prix fixe menu. ” In the front space diners are able to sit and enjoy the prix fixe menu with traditional service. In the backspace, those seeking a relaxed evening can enjoy music, cocktails and a selective Sushi Pop Art a la carte menu,” Royal/T owner Susan Hancock assured.

The Menu

The nine courses give diners a taste of everything — spicy, crunchy and sweet!

  1. Creamy Miso Soup
  2. Crispy Cabbage Salad
  3. Cerviche Tower
  4. Pop Art Crab
  5. Spicy Tuna with Crispy Rice
  6. Sweet Scallop Present
  7. Dragon’s Eye
  8. Assorted Sushi
  9. Sake Tiramisu

The Art

Chef Kenny’s inspiration is his love for Japanese cuisine and art. “I utilize my plate as my canvas and the food and sauces as my paint. I feel that food not only can and should look good but tastes great,” he says. Guests can be artists too with Chef Kenny’s favorite dish — the Pop Art Crab. “It allows the customer to create their own taste. There are so many various of sauces on the plate, they can mix it up, if they want sweet, they can create a sweet sauce, a spicy sauce, etc.”

The Biru, That’s Beer in Japanese

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Japanese beer selection like Royal/T’s, unless you’re in Downtown L.A. It’s not just Sapporo! Royal/T offers rare Japanese beers like Kankiku Brewery’s Kujukuri Ocean Pale Ale. Hitachino Nest White Ale and Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout are also available. The wine, soju, sake and tea options are also plentiful.

The Location

Royal/T’s 10,000 square-foot space hosts the Sushi Pop Art series. “Royal/T and Sushi Pop Art were a natural fit from the beginning. The art collection showcased at Royal/T includes various Japanese contemporary artists and the café is a take on the electronic district in Tokyo,” Susan says.

Beginning September 23, The Warholian exhibit opens at Royal/T. Susan tells us it’s based on Andy Warhol’s infamous career with artist including Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst and Warhol himself. Susan adds, “To pay homage, Royal/T has come up with a Warhol-inspired café menu featuring items like the ‘Pop Combo,’ specialty grilled cheese and tomato soup, an Edie Sedgwich, The Twiggy Salad, Velvet Banana Pudding and The Candy Darling soju martini.”

Cost?
Prix fixe menu is $60

When?
August 26 and September 1, 2, 8 and 9

Where?
Royal/T
8910 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

Additional Information
http://www.royal-t.org/
http://kennyyamada.com/