October 8, 2007
Domo Arigato, Mr. Robata
Robata Bar Readies to Open
You’re always looking for an excuse to say, “Throw another shrimp on the barbie.”
While that’s not really a good thing, Robata Bar is. The new low-key Japanese pub from the team behind Sushi Roku, Katana, and Boa fires up the grill tomorrow for the first time.
A few tables, booths, and stools make seats for 50, and a giant bar’s home to the charcoal robata grill, sushi chef-run raw station, and beverage department.
To open, they’re working a preview menu; only the delicious will survive. For robata yaki (or meat-on-a-stick), that may mean chicken with scallion, Chilean sea bass, and aged rib eye. Salmon, snapper, and mango tartare; whitefish ceviche with shichimi popcorn; and wasabi Bloody Mary oyster shooters could also make the cut. Contemplate their fates over a Poochi-Poochi sake or an Echigo microbrew.
Take note: They don’t accept reservations.
But you shouldn’t have any going in anyway.
Robata Bar, 1401 Ocean Avenue, enter on Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica (310-458-4771).
