09 Feb Hinoki and the Bird

Every year for my birthday I try to find a new restaurant to try with my family. What better way to celebrate than to enjoy a new place with family while getting to try lots of dishes and sharing. In perfect timing, David Myers’ Hinoki and the Bird opened just in time to be the restaurant of choice. I had been sad when Sona closed as some of my first real foodie experiences were at Sona. But, David is back with Hinoki and the Bird, located in the basement of a luxury condo building in Century City that is not so easy to find (my GPS was confused and I had to make 2 calls to the restaurant to make sure I was in the right place).  We arrived and were greeted by the valets, still not sure what to expect. But, once the big wooden doors opened, we stood looking out over the entire restaurant.  From the bustling bar to the open kitchen, the room was filled with energy. First order of business was to order a few cocktails. Both the Seasonal Fix (vodka and lemon over muddled grapes) and the Griffith Park Swizzle (bourbon, mint, lime, bitters and absinthe) were fresh, bright cocktails to start off the night. We moved to our table on the patio which was dimly lit.  We began to peruse the menu and naming each item that we wanted to try.  The menu that David Myers and his executive chef, Kuniko Yagi, a native of Japan, have designed is a California restaurant with Japenese influence in style and flavor.  Here is a snapshot of all the great flavors! Assorted housemade pickles Marinated tuna with lemongrass salad Beef tartare with pickled jalapeno and parmigiano Kale served crispy and raw with curried almonds, pecorino and red wine vinaigrette Crispy Marinated Chicken with Lemon Aoli Simply Grilled Scottish Salmon Grilled winter mushrooms with sea salt and lime Sambal Skate Wing Hinoki scented black cod with sweet potato and pistachio Miso marinated skirt steak And then of course, dessert….. Chocolate-Praline malt sponge cake, milk chocolate jelly and cocoa nibs Zaphyr Cake with namelaka, yuzu and arare   Homemade Mochi rice creams – Miso Mochi with butterscotch and togarashi and Black Sesame Mochi with lemon and hibiscus I am lucky to have a family that likes to try a variety of dishes and we definitely filled up!  My birthday dinner at Hinoki and the Bird sure did please our palates!  I will be back…..and will not be waiting for a special event for the next visit. Hinoki and the Bird 10 W. Century Drive, Century City www.hinokiandthebird.com