Sunday, March 30, 2008

Takoyakiiiiiii

Last week, I watched an old episode of No Reservations where Tony visited Osaka, Japan. The episode focused on the famous Osaka takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The alluring images of octopus balls burned into my brain, and I developed a serious craving. LA Weekly's Jonathan Gold suggested Gaja Restaurant in Lomita (near Torrance) as one of the best place for takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

watermelon

Watermelon soda ... delicious!

condiment

Look at all the condiments!

spicy mayo

Takoyaki with spicy mayo. There was a single tako (octopus) in each ball and it was soooo teeeeeny!

chicken

The chicken karaage was crisp and not too oily.

cheese

Takoyaki with gooey mochi and cheese.

modan

The "modan" mix okonomiyaki with pork slices, shrimp, octopus, and noodles. Warning, these suckers are HUGE. Sharing between two people is more than enough.

2383 Lomita Blvd
Ste 102
Lomita, CA 90717
(310) 534-0153
www.gajamoc.com

~Ray

3 comments:

bananami said...

Hi! I haven't had takoyaki for a long time. Those are very contemporary ones you had. How was that cheese one? I think I've had bento takoyaki before, but the last time I had fresh ones were when I was a teen visiting Osaka. I remember it being so good. I loved how hot and melty it was. And the sauce... And the tako inside. Mmm...

Hakka House said...

The cheese-mochi one was really gooey and good. But the tako was teeny-tiny. Apparently there's a dessert place next to the takoyaki place that has really amazing Japanese sweets. Next time you're in town, let's go!

Ray

bananami said...

Sounds good! My family used to go to an omanju place that used to be in Anaheim and haven't found one like it. So, yeah, I would love to try that place next time we're in town. Probably in the summer.