Los Angeles - March 12, 2004

Tokio Pop

Tokio Restaurant Opens

Tokio is:

A. Ron Herman’s latest jeans discovery
B. An all-girl Silverlake garage band
C. A new Japanese concept restaurant in Hollywood

Do we hear a “C”? Ding ding ding ding!

Tokio, the latest hot spot on the Hollywood Cahuenga corridor, comes courtesy of the Star Shoes/Beauty Bar team: Paul Devitt, writer/producer/director/golden boy Chris Weitz (Heather Graham sighting, perhaps?), and Johnny Nixon. They’ve truly outdone themselves.

Okay, next question.

What will you find at Tokio?

A. Buddhist prayer altars and tea-scented air
B. A Japanese rock garden
C. A kittenish hostess who serenades guests

Answer? All of the above. Not only is the place terribly fun, the food is no afterthought. Lobster spring rolls wrapped with mango, mint leaves, and chestnuts, seared tuna in spicy sesame sauce … And after weeks of private parties, Tokio is finally opening to the public next week. Does it make the grade?

Let’s just say it’s a solid A.

Tokio,1640 North Cahuenga Boulevard, at Hollywood Boulevard (323-464-2065).