Some Like it RA

Some like it hot, some like it cold. Some like it in the pot nine days old. But if you like it fresh and sans the stew pot, it's time to head to RA Sushi for a gourmet hot spot.

Trying it out for the first time last night, my HHBC boss Jamie Bateman treated me and my fellow Head Staff and Assistant Director to the trendy eatery at Del Amo Mall in Torrance, CA. Graffitied, glass-lantern lit, and tastefully bambooed, the sushi restaurant/bar caters to the young, jet set crowd seated around in booths and at the bar. Naturally, I fit right in. Walking in for happy hour specials on drinks and sushi/sashimi, our ultimate trials and tastings allowed me to culminate an ultimate list for the food bon vivant.

Split the Miso Hot! Soup. It's served super hot, and super hot. Not for the weak-minded. Or rather, weak tasters. But ultimately it's a taste-bud tingler, and definitely not to be missed. Pair that appetizer with some steamed and sea-salted edammame.

Check out the half-off sushi during RA's Happy Hour (3pm-7pm). My recommendations include the Yellowtail Nigiri, Tootsy Maki, Viva Las Vegas Roll, and Crunchy Calamari Roll. Each hail originally from the Signature Sushi list, so if you miss Happy Hour, don't you fret. Meanwhile, order the Halibut sashimi (Sushi/Sashimi); try the Ultimate Shrimp Tempura, the Crazy Monkey Roll, and the Atlantic Roll (Signature Sushi). There was not one disappointing dish on the table, and every last cut found its way onto our plates and into our bellies.

And if you, like Head Staff Annie, are not big on the raw fish scene, go for something off the Dinner menu. We sampled her Chicken Katsu with wasabi mashed potatoes, and I was tempted to go fish-less as well! Word on the street is the Seared Ahi is amazing, and the Black Pepper Filet Medallions melt in your mouth. Somehow Annie and I made room for dessert (and Nolan and Jamie both knew that they'd eat whatever we ordered); the Cinnamon Tempura Ice Cream absolutely was to die for, and comes highly-recommended by the waitstaff.

The tables are equip with traditional sushi-and-soy-sauce plates, the food is served family style to share. Order your sushi and sashimi of choice in check-box style, and ask for a side of Ponzu sauce to really take things up a notch.

Hot, cold, cooked, or not. RA Sushi is the place for fine wining and dining this summer.

For locations, check out RA's website here.

Images from rasushi.com