So unpretentious and amazing, it almost feels pretentious

Much ado is made of sushi in Los Angeles. During the 80's financial boom, Americans who power-lunched with Japanese businessmen made sushi popular among the elite. Sushi made frequent appearances in 80's movies; a staple for the wealthy and cruel.

Luckily, I live by Sushi Row in Studio City, and have dined at the original Katsuya (heaven!) among others. But nothing compares to Fuji in Pasadena. They don't need a website or Groupon deals. Though their sushi isn't #1 in L.A. (though it's really good) it's their abusive Korean BBQ that keeps me loyal. It's the best I've had in Los Angeles, and I know my way around Korean food. And insane Korean roommates.

With incomparable Korean BBQ, great sushi, proximity to boba joints and located in the center of happy, happy Pasadena,  this unassuming and inexpensive restaurant is my favorite.

Sushi Mac vs. Sushi Roku

Sushi Mac is genius for the following reasons:

- all plates $3, with tax built in

- cash only, to keep overhead low

- rock music blasting, so no one knows they're in a dive

I need these!

Honestly, all a cheap restaurant needs to do is blast loud music, because it will attract youths, jaded couples who didn't feel like talking anyway and moneyed couples who see the youth in the window, and think everyone is in on something. Because let's face it, raw fish freaks some people out, and they'd never go to a cheap sushi joint and risk listeria. But loud music? Boom.The place is instantly chic.

Roku's new look

I love Sushi Mac, but the existence of Sushi Mac also makes me love Sushi Roku, the upscale Japanese restaurant across the street.  If it can stand up against Sushi Mac and their throngs of followers, they must be pretty great. They even underwent a recent renovation, and my friends and I stopped in for lunch to check out the changes. Here's a peek!

awesome witch cauldron in front