February 12, 2010 - Nabankan & SLS Hotel

While having to drive over 450 miles across four states the following morning would normally preclude the average human being from going out the night before, it's just not how I roll!

Nanbankan (West Los Angeles, CA)

Nabankan is a yakitori restaurant located in West Los Angeles, CA. This restaurant is so close to where I live and work, that I'm actually a bit amazed I had never gone before. The setting it typical Japanese fare. Think sushi restaurant. However, the real fun comes from the dining option. Yakitori sticks of various sea life and land animals. Want a chicken tail? Check. How about yellowtail collar? Sure. A weird gelatinous seaweed thing that looks like something that should be coming out of you instead of ingesting? Double check! The thing I like most about yakitori is that it's like tapas. You get to try a little bit of everything! Combine it with some sake and good friends, and you'll be as happy of a camper as I was...

Highlights:

• Necks, tails, collars, tentacles, gizzards... Yes, we rocked them all!
  
• Foods on sticks rock. And when you're finished eating the food, just flip over the end and use as a tooth pick! Okay, maybe don't try this in a restaurant...
  
• Our server almost choked to death taking our order. Good thing this place has more than one!
  

Bar Centro @ SLS Hotel (Beverly Hills, CA)



I've been to the SLS Hotel previously, sat in the same bar, and felt the same way - it's bourgeois. That, of course, doesn't mean it's fun... But it's not the typical place where I can be all loud and obnoxious (i.e. Toyose in S.F.). Also, while a very upscale and classy hangout spot, I don't really enjoy forking over $16 for a drink that's half-filled with ice. But hey, we're in "Beverly Hills." This is probably why I spent most of my time at SLS in an actual hotel room suite. A friend had reserved the suite for her birthday, and it was awesome. I was most impressed by the television hidden behind a one-way mirror and the large bathroom with sliding walls/doors all over.

Highlights:

• Any drink which uses liquid nitrogen ups the cool factor for me!
  
• I didn't get a girly drink! I got a gin gimlet.
  
• I found metered street parking on La Cienega Blvd.