Bamboo Izakaya meets world's best sushi

Did you know that Bamboo Izakaya owner Jeremy Umland is one the executive producers of the top Netflix documentary 'JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI'? When the idea of creating a documentary about an old man who's only dream in life is to create the most perfect pieces of sushi, Jeremy couldn't resist and got right on board with it!

The documentary follows the life of Jiro Ono, an 85 year-old sushi master who owns a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo. Though he's already been crowned as the best sushi chef in the world, Jiro continues his quest to perfect the art of sushi. Working every single day with his two sons Takashi (who eventually goes on to open another sushi restaurant in Roppongi Hills) and Yoshikazu, this documentary focuses on the relationship between Jiro and his eldest son, who fails to live up to his father's expectations, and the constant pursuit for perfection.

Nominated at the Tribeca film festival and winner of the Detroit Film Critics Society, this documentary will make you want to hop on a plane to Tokyo for a bite of the world's best sushi.

Have you tasted our top 3 most popular dishes?

For izakaya beginners, looking at our menu can be a daunting experience because of the volume and types of dishes we offer. But you'll quickly find that some dishes make regular appearances at other diners tables. Ask our servers for recommendations and they'll gladly run down a list of our most popular dishes. Today, we're sharing with you our Top 3.

Bamboo's top 3 most popular dishes

#3 MISO SOUPS

Miso manila clam soup

Plural because we have more than one for you to try;

• Classic miso soup with tofu and seaweed
• Miso soup with manila clams and tofu
• Country style miso soup with a stronger broth and kabocha squash

Our soups are extremely popular because they are comforting yet very healthy and savory. Served in classic Japanese soup bowls, they're the perfect light appetizer to start your meal.

* Did you know that the proper way to drink miso soup is to stir the broth with your chopsticks and drink it straight from the bowl? 

#2 EDAMAME

Edamame is a very well known and popular appetizer in America. Usually served warm with a sprinkle of salt, they can be found even in some pubs these days. However, our edamame dish has a kick! We've spiced it up and got creative in the kitchen to bring you revised edamame, better than you've ever tasted before!

We slowly steam our soybeans (never microwaved!) for an even and moist texture and toss them in a soy garlic sauce. Finger licking good!



#1 SPICY TUNA CRISPY RICE

This incredibly popular dish was created at our sister restaurant Ozumo in San Francisco. It was in such demand over there, we had to bring it to Santa Monica!

The mixture of spicy tuna mixed with a wasabi ponzu sauce and topped over cubes of crispy rice, is making people smile and ask for more all across California!

Miso mayo Dip

Classically Japanese - Sweet and tangy meet in this yummy miso mayo dip.

The perfect dip for veggies! We like this quick dip recipe for its tanginess and simplicity. The flavors are very Japanese and work beautifully with cucumbers, carrots, and celery.

Serve it at your next dinner party for a little something different, and watch your guests try to decipher the flavors of this creamy and refreshing recipe!

Miso mayo dip

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp white miso paste
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients and serve cold along with a beautiful veggie plate!

The health benefits of pickled foods

As part of our menu, Bamboo offers home made kimchi and oshinko.

Pickled vegetables are a common sighting in Japanese cuisine - served as a side to just about any dishes, they are a diet staple that's been around for thousands of years. You'd think these fermented veggies high in sodium would only be bad for your health, but it turns out that pickling your food can also be extremely good for you!


Just like yogurt, pickled vegetables are great at boosting the gut's good bacteria, which support a healthy digestive system. Some researches even suggest that eating pickled foods can help clear up and heal skin prone to acne and other skin ailments.




There's a lot more good stuff associated with pickling-- pickles are:

• low in fat and calories
• high in calcium and antioxidants
• known to fight off certain cancers of the digestive system
• good for strengthening the immune system

Oh! And one more thing: They taste GOOD! Bamboo Izakaya loves tasty dishes that are also good for the body and mind.





Here's a quick and easy recipe taken from pickledplum that we love!

Tsukemono - Japanese pickled vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots
• 2 zucchinis 
• 2 turnips (or 1 medium size daikon), peeled
• white miso paste

Directions:

1. Slice vegetables 1/4 inch thick. Add vegetables to tupperware container (not too deep, like a plastic take-out container), slowly incorporate the miso paste to the vegetables, until all they are all well coated. 
2. Cover and pickle for about 24 hours. Thoroughly rinse the vegetables under water until all the miso paste is gone. Pat dry with paper towel and leave uncovered for a couple of hours, to evaporate some of the water. 
3. Keep refrigerated. Serve.