10 Unique Food and Beverage Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we all know the drill — flowers, chocolates, candy, rinse and repeat.
Although a lovely sentiment, it’s not exactly the stuff that legends are made of, right?
So, we dove deep into the web and came up with a list of food and beverage items that say “I love you” in an unconventional and out-of-the-box way.
These gems are not your garden-variety tokens of affection; they’re off-beat, they’re fun, and they scream “Be Mine” in the most deliciously distinctive ways.
From quirky snacks to sippable surprises, here’s our list of
10 unique food & beverage gifts for Valentine’s day
Olive & Cocoa Chocolate Heart Pretzels
Imagine a dozen crunchy pretzels, each smothered in a dreamy mix of milk and white chocolate and then dotted with playful pink hearts.
Both salty and sweet, as most relationships are, these tantalizing treats arrive in a chic, handcrafted wooden crate, tied up with a red ribbon, and just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Trust us, they are the yummiest way to say “I heart you!”
BareOrganics Ashwagandha Root Powder
Ever heard of Ashwagandha Root?
It’s like nature’s own love boosting superfood – the Ayurvedic secret often dubbed as a ‘natural viagra’ for both ladies and gents. And, it’s not just about cranking up your libido and vitality; it’s also great for knocking down stress and anxiety, which are the usual, and unfortunate romance killers.
Sprinkle some of this 100% USDA Certified Organic magic powder into your daily routine and get ready for a more sumptuous and satisfying sex life.
Lou’s Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookie & Heart Shaped Pizza
Double the love straight from the Windy City!
We’re talking about Lou Malnati’s heart-shaped deep dish pizza for two, with your pick of cheesy goodness or savory sausage, paired with a giant heart-shaped chocolate chip cookie. And this cookie isn’t just any cookie – it’s the same recipe used in Lou Malnati’s iconic pizzerias.
It’s like a big hug from Chicago, sent straight to your door this Valentine’s Day. Who can resist that?
Click here for Taste of Chicago
Be My Huckleberry Hand Pies
Get ready to fall hard for these delicious hand pies, bursting with juicy Montana huckleberries and blueberries.
Elle’s Belles country kitchen whips up each small-batch bakes with love, making these some of the tastiest treats you’ll ever devour.
And here’s the kicker — each pie is handcrafted, ensuring your gift is as unique as it is delicious. But remember, all good things take time, and these handmade beauties need 24 hours to bake and package before heading your way.
Click here to check out Huckleberry Hand Pies
Dora’s Heart-Shaped Ravioli for 2
Whisk your taste buds to Italy on Valentine’s Day with Nonna Dora’s heart-shaped ravioli, a beloved staple for 25 years at New York City’s I Trulli!
Handcrafted with special Italian flour, these beauties get their charming stripes from beet puree and are filled with creamy Italian ricotta. Boil them up, sauté with butter and sage, and voilà—a romantic dinner to remember.
Behind these gems is “Nonna Dora” Marzovilla, a pasta-making legend for over 70 years, now delighting NYC with her own spot, Nonna Dora’s Pasta Bar. It’s like getting a squeeze from an Italian nonna in every bite!
Click here for Dora’s Heart-Shaped Ravioli
Jerky Heart
Why settle for the same old same old chocolates in a heart shaped box when you can gift BEEF JERKY instead!
The Man Crates Exclusive Heart Box includes: 1 Dave’s Pepperoni Pork Stick, 1 Dave’s Wine Pork Stick, 1 Dave’s Orange Habanero Pork Stick, 1 Dave’s Honey Bourbon Formed Beef Bit, 1 Dave’s Honey Root Beer Formed Beef Bit,
1 Dave’s Sesame Ginger Formed Beef Bit, 3 Cajun Beef Sticks, 2 Teriyaki Beef Sticks, and 3 Habanero BBQ Beef Sticks to highly satisfy your most beloved carnivore.
And, for that extra touch of testosterone, you can have the box “gift wrapped” in red colored duct tape.
Tipsy Bubbly Rose
Yup! That’s right folks… a phallus shaped bottle of pink sparkling rosé wine for that very special someone. We’ll just leave it right there…
Click here to visit Tipsy Brand
Candied Bacon Bouquet
What better way to say “I love you” than with an elegant bouquet of long-stemmed candied bacon shaped roses. Perfect for anyone who can’t resist the sweet and salty combo of maple syrup and bacon, each rose shaped flower is topped with a red sugar coating to keep those roses a brightly blooming red.
Meat Card
Why settle for a Hallmark card when you can have your love note laser engraved on a 4″ x 9″ sheet of meat?
Manly Man Co. offers customized greetings of 100 characters at max on a 100% edible sheet of savory beef jerky.
Made to order and vacuum sealed for freshness, it’s the yummiest way to share your affection.
Heart-Shaped Tea Bags
Seeking a little romantic tea time with your honey?
Jacqueline Aliotti’s heart-shaped tea bags are the perfect choice to heat things up. Inspired by her childhood in Lyon, France, surrounded by the warmth of her parents’ tea shop, each boxed set includes 5 English Breakfast, 5 Earl Grey, and 5 White Berry tea bags, perfect for sharing a romantic afternoon with your Valentine.
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Why Everyone in L.A. Is Talking About This Bottle from On The Rocks Cocktails —And Dylan Efron’s Got One in Hand
Why Everyone in L.A. Is Talking About This Bottled Cocktail—And Dylan Efron’s Got One in Hand
From Beverly Hills rooftops to the American Music Awards in Vegas, On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails is becoming the drink of the moment for Los Angeles tastemakers.
If you’ve been to a dinner party in Silver Lake, a pool day in Venice, or a rooftop gathering in West Hollywood lately, chances are you’ve already seen them—sleek bottles, bold labels, and cocktails so good, they taste like they came from a $20-per-drink mixologist.
We’re talking about On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails, the bartender-crafted ready-to-drink cocktails that have officially made the leap from local favorite to full-blown red carpet royalty.
How big is this brand getting? It just returned for a second year as the official cocktail of the American Music Awards, serving drinks to celebrities, influencers, and VIPs live from the brand-new Fontainebleau Las Vegas. But make no mistake—this is still an L.A. story at heart.
From Westside to Worldwide
On The Rocks™ might be making waves in Vegas, but it was born for places like Los Angeles: where people love a great cocktail but hate waiting in line to get one.
At this year’s AMAs, while the music world’s biggest stars lit up the stage, On The Rocks™ was making headlines of its own. Guests were treated to their full line-up inside the lavish BleauLive Theater lobby, transforming the pre-show cocktail game into something more stylish, accessible, and yes—very L.A.
And backstage? Dylan Efron casually popped open a Margarita, toasted with an Old Fashioned, and showed America how to “Make it a Cocktail”—a moment that aired during the live broadcast and gave fans a peek into the effortless cool the brand is pushing.
You can check out his behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @otrcocktails, and honestly, it looks more like an Echo Park house party than a backstage award show.
A Campaign Made for L.A. Life
Carol Robert, managing director of U.S. ready-to-drink at Suntory Global Spirits, summed it up perfectly:
“The American Music Awards are all about celebrating the moments that bring people together—and that’s exactly what On The Rocks™ is created to do.”
That idea is at the heart of their new “Make it a Cocktail” campaign, which made its primetime debut during the AMAs. The campaign flips the script on traditional drinking occasions—showing people ditching wine or beer in favor of a proper cocktail at times you’d never expect it. Think: an Espresso Martini at a backyard movie night, or a Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule at a Dodger game tailgate.
It’s all about elevating everyday moments, something Angelenos know a thing or two about.
The L.A. Factor: Convenience Meets Craft
Founded in 2015 by a group of industry vets who knew the pain of finding a decent cocktail outside of a high-end bar, On The Rocks™ delivers all the flavor and balance of a hand-mixed drink—minus the bartender, the mess, or the Uber ride home.
Their lineup reads like the menu at a trendy cocktail bar on La Brea:
The Aviation, Old Fashioned, Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai, and more. Limited editions like the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour and Blue Hawaiian have become collector items for cocktail connoisseurs across town.
And now, with the launch of their sparkling canned line—Sparkling Lime Margarita, Mango & Mint Mojito, and Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule—On The Rocks™ is staking its claim on poolside coolers from Malibu to Marina del Rey.
Where to Sip in L.A.
Whether you’re hosting a movie night in Culver City, planning a beach day in Santa Monica, or pre-gaming for a night out in West Hollywood, On The Rocks™ is the go-to. You can find the full lineup at major retailers around Los Angeles, or just visit ontherockscocktails.com to stock up.
Follow @otrcocktails on Instagram for the latest drops, cocktail inspo, and behind-the-scenes celebrity moments.
Bottom line:
L.A. is a city that doesn’t wait—and now your drink doesn’t have to either. On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails is delivering mixology-level cocktails without the fuss, and everyone from Dylan Efron to your neighbor in Brentwood is pouring one.
Big Papi’s Ultra-Premium Ozama Rum Just Landed in L.A.—Here’s Why You’ll Want a Bottle
Big Papi’s Next Power Play: David Ortiz Uncorks a Dominican Rum With Soul, Swagger, and Serious Flavor
In a town that thrives on reinvention, where tequila tastings compete with mezcal masterclasses and everyone knows their Negroni from their Paper Plane, the arrival of Ozama Rum might just disrupt L.A.’s sipping scene in the most unexpected—and welcome—way. But this isn’t just another luxury bottle with a celebrity signature. It’s Dominican-born, baseball-bred, and brimming with heart.
Launched by none other than Hall-of-Famer David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Ozama Rum is a lush, premium spirit that pays homage to the rhythms, rituals, and resilience of the Dominican Republic. And while Ortiz may be best known for smashing home runs for the Boston Red Sox, his latest swing connects straight to his roots—and it’s a clean hit.
“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” Ortiz says.
“I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”
Rum, Reimagined
Named after the Ozama River—the same one Ortiz grew up fishing, swimming, and crabbing along as a boy—Ozama Rum isn’t just Dominican in spirit. It’s 100% Dominican in production. From the locally grown sugarcane to the fermentation, distillation, and
Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
The Academy Award-nominated actress, entrepreneur, and proud Angeleno has teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her fan-favorite Seven Daughters Moscato to travelers worldwide. The wine, celebrated for its vibrant, lightly sweet notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, is the latest addition to the cruise line’s Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection.
And for L.A. locals who already know Taraji as more than just Cookie Lyon or Melinda Gayle, this new venture is pure Taraji: bold, inviting, and full of heart.
“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” said Henson. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”
Headquartered right in Santa Clarita, Princess Cruises has long been a part of Southern California’s luxury travel DNA. With its proximity to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro—just a freeway ride away from Taraji’s hometown hustle—this partnership feels especially fitting. L.A. residents looking for a chic weekend escape can now sip on Seven Daughters while cruising down the Pacific Coast or setting out on a Mexican Riviera getaway, glass in hand and ocean breeze in hair.
“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”
Seven Daughters isn’t just another celebrity wine—it’s a labor of love and creativity. As Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator, Henson has poured her personality into every bottle. For L.A. tastemakers and wine lovers, this means more than a quality drink; it’s a chance to connect with a star who has always stayed rooted in the community.
With her inclusion in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, Henson joins a glamorous circle of fellow celebrity spirits makers including Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson (Meili Vodka), Camila and Matthew McConaughey (Pantalones Organic Tequila), Blake Lively (Betty Booze and Betty Buzz), Liev Schreiber (Sláinte Irish Whiskey), Jason Aldean (Melarosa Wines), Romero Britto (Love Prosecco), and Kylie Minogue (No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé).
For Angelenos used to spotting stars in Studio City or sipping cocktails in West Hollywood, the idea of toasting with a Taraji-crafted wine while watching the sunset over the Pacific feels just right. Whether you’re heading to Catalina for the weekend or sailing out to Alaska, Seven Daughters is now the perfect local-meets-luxury beverage choice.
The Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, launched by Princess Cruises to spotlight exclusive, star-powered wines and spirits, is about more than just sipping—it’s about celebrating. And with Taraji P. Henson at the helm of her Moscato, there’s never been a better time to raise a glass to life, love, and L.A. style.
More details and sailing options available at www.princess.com.
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Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
The Academy Award-nominated actress, entrepreneur, and proud Angeleno has teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her fan-favorite Seven Daughters Moscato to travelers worldwide. The wine, celebrated for its vibrant, lightly sweet notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, is the latest addition to the cruise line’s Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection.
And for L.A. locals who already know Taraji as more than just Cookie Lyon or Melinda Gayle, this new venture is pure Taraji: bold, inviting, and full of heart.
“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” said Henson. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”
Headquartered right in Santa Clarita, Princess Cruises has long been a part of Southern California’s luxury travel DNA. With its proximity to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro—just a freeway ride away from Taraji’s hometown hustle—this partnership feels especially fitting. L.A. residents looking for a chic weekend escape can now sip on Seven Daughters while cruising down the Pacific Coast or setting out on a Mexican Riviera getaway, glass in hand and ocean breeze in hair.
“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”
Seven Daughters isn’t just another celebrity wine—it’s a labor of love and creativity. As Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator, Henson has poured her personality into every bottle. For L.A. tastemakers and wine lovers, this means more than a quality drink; it’s a chance to connect with a star who has always stayed rooted in the community.
With her inclusion in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, Henson joins a glamorous circle of fellow celebrity spirits makers including Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson (Meili Vodka), Camila and Matthew McConaughey (Pantalones Organic Tequila), Blake Lively (Betty Booze and Betty Buzz), Liev Schreiber (Sláinte Irish Whiskey), Jason Aldean (Melarosa Wines), Romero Britto (Love Prosecco), and Kylie Minogue (No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé).
For Angelenos used to spotting stars in Studio City or sipping cocktails in West Hollywood, the idea of toasting with a Taraji-crafted wine while watching the sunset over the Pacific feels just right. Whether you’re heading to Catalina for the weekend or sailing out to Alaska, Seven Daughters is now the perfect local-meets-luxury beverage choice.
The Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, launched by Princess Cruises to spotlight exclusive, star-powered wines and spirits, is about more than just sipping—it’s about celebrating. And with Taraji P. Henson at the helm of her Moscato, there’s never been a better time to raise a glass to life, love, and L.A. style.
More details and sailing options available at www.princess.com.
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Island-Inspired Cocktail Bar ‘Gin Rummy’ Opens on the Westside Memorial Day Weekend
Gin Rummy – An Island-Inspired Cocktail Bar Opens on the Westside Memorial Day Weekend
Renowned Los Angeles bar proprietor Jared Meisler (The Roger Room, Bar Lubitsch, The Friend and The Little Friend) and the exemplary team of David and Patti Reiss of Reiss Co. (The Brig and The Alibi Room) announce the opening of a new westside cocktail establishment, GIN RUMMY, on Friday, May 26, 2023.
The cocktail program is masterfully led by Beverage Directors Danilo Kim, formerly of The Alibi Room and Nueva and Marcus Ragas, whose resume includes The Chestnut Club and Caboco.
Located at 822 Washington Boulevard, Marina del Rey, adjacent to Meisler’s popular Little Friend, GIN RUMMY takes over NUEVA after a successful three-year run.
Meisler states that he and his partners saw a need for a large and welcoming bar space in the neighborhood.
Meisler states:
“I’ve always loved the cocktails that come from beach cultures, just as much as I love the imagery and feel of beachy bars. I see a through line between a Tiki Bar, a Cuban Rum Bar, a Mexican Cantina, a Brazilian Quisque, a Spanish Chiringuito and a Venice Beach watering hole. They’re all timeless, relaxed, and fun, serving fantastic and unique drinks…
“…Gin Rummy is an homage to all things Beach Bar, from Nautical to Tropical, in a vintage parlor.”
At this gateway to Venice, GIN RUMMY invites passersby to escape to the tropics and get swept away, sipping exotic cocktails and enjoying delicious snacks in a pirate’s lair.
Gin Rummy’s spacious 200-seat setting…
The spacious 200-seat setting… reimagined and designed by Jared Meisler creates a colorful and ornate island paradise marrying nautical and South Pacific themes with contemporary design.
Enter Gin Rummy’s large front door…
Enter GIN RUMMY through the large front door just off Washington and take in the huge zinc-top mahogany bar with shelves stacked with vast arrays of rum, gin, tequila, and mezcal along with decorative tchotchkes of ships in bottles.
A large bank of skylights above the bar provides soft sunlight during golden hour as guests relax in a convivial state of mind.
When dusk turns to night, the far wall is illuminated by a row of vintage island-themed pinball machines giving GIN RUMMY a timeless, comfortable feel.
As one’s eye travels the room, imbibers take in giant redwood beams supporting a tongue and grove ceiling adorned by funky glassware. Native and tribal prints cover the bar stools and wood booths.
Scattered around the room are mini palm trees and lush tropical plants adorned with brass ship hardware. The thick posts are wrapped in nautical rope and accented with imagery of Caribbean and Polynesian life, ocean and boats and jungle paintings. Other notes include large bone-inlaid mirrors, woven wood light fixtures, rattan chairs, and lazy ceiling fans for a sultry Key Largo effect.
On Gin Rummy’s Outside…
Outside, the convertible indoor/outdoor patio exudes a tropical sandy beachy village vibe, adorned with wood carvings and carved wooden mirrors. The natural oak tables are painted with checker and backgammon boards, inviting guests to linger and play games comfortably in reclined rattan chairs. Lush tropical foliage is covered by a mahogany pergola illuminating the space with brass ship lights.
Gin Rummy’s playful craft cocktail bar program
At GIN RUMMY, Beverage Directors Marcus Ragas and Danilo Kim have created an inventive and playful craft cocktail bar program and menu:
Fun drinks equal a fun vibe. Look for categories of FROZEN RUMMYS, STIRRED and TIKI, classic and imaginative HIGHBALLS, as well as the irresistible COCKTAILS FOR FOUR that look back to the legendary Trader Vic’s from days gone by.
GIN RUMMY offers several NO BOOZE options for the sober crowd or designated driver.
GIN RUMMY is open daily: Monday – Friday: from 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday: from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. and Happy Hour: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. nightly.
FROZEN RUMMYS
Hemingway Daiquiri with Rum, Grapefruit, Luxardo Maraschino & Lime
Guava Daiquiri; Mango Ango
Habanero Honeysuckle
Frozen Margaritas
Pina Colada
STIRRED
Mamajuana
Banana Manhattan
MSG Old Fashioned
Tail of The Cock with Oaked Cachaca, Cynar, Carpano Antica & Orange Bitters
TIKI
Agave Zombie
Velvet Falernum
Pina Colada
Nui Nui
Jungle Bird
Marina Fog Cutter
Tropical Itch; Rye Tai
Pain Killer (for two, served in a pineapple)
HIGHBALLS
Gin & Tonic
Super Paloma
Captains Wheel
AK Mojito
Yuzu Spritz with Gin, Yuzu, Aperol & Champagne
SHAKEN
Reina Picante
Strawberry Caipirinha
Baggiewrinkle
Corpse Reviver No. 47 with Chamomile Infused Gin, Yellow Chartreuse,
Lemon, Orange Curaçao, Absinthe & Chamomile Smoke
Nitro Charged Carajillo
COCKTAILS FOR FOUR
Scorpion Bowl with Vodka, Gin, Light Rum, Dark Rum, 151 Rum, Pineapple, Orange & Lemon
Fish Bowl with Vodka, Coconut Rum, Blue curaçao, Lemon & Pineapple.
For guests who prefer sans alcohol, there are creative NO BOOZE options, including Passionfruit Picante Spritz with Passionfruit, Tamarind, Lime, Black Lava Saline, Thai Chili & Mineral Water; Virgin Mint Margarita with Spiritless Jalisco Tequila, Lyres Orange Sec, Lime & Agave; and Not Gin & Tonic with Ritual Zero Proof Gin, Rosemary, Sea Bean, Lemon Basil, Juniper Berry and Fever Tree Tonic.
For a complete list, please visit GIN RUMMY’s online drink and spirits menu
GIN RUMMY offers a selection of satisfying nosh to enjoy
while sipping on delicious cocktails and dreaming of the Pacific.
SNACKS
Crispy Cauliflower
Tempura Calamari
Coconut Shrimp
Fries and Sweet Potato Fries
Onion Rings
BASKETS
Wings
(with Buffalo, BBQ and Lemon Pepper Mango Habanero Thai Chili)
Beer Battered Fish & Chips
Chicken & Chips
Vegan Chicken & Chips
(Sauces – Chipotle Aioli, BBQ, Hot Honey, Creamy Ranch, Vegan Ranch, Cocktail Sauce, Tartar Sauce, Thai Chili, Honey Mustard, Yellow Mustard, Buffalo & Mango Habanero)
SALADS
Smokey Caesar
Kale Salad
Aaarrrugula & Quinoa
TACOS
Mushroom
Zucchini & Squash
Shrimp; Chicken
Carnitas
Carne Asada
(served with Salsa and Onions)
PIES
Key Lime
Chocolate Chess
Banana Cream
(for a complete list, please visit GIN RUMMY’s online SNACKS menu)
GIN RUMMY HOURS:
Monday – Friday: from 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Happy Hour: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. nightly
GIN RUMMY offers customized Event Planning by appointment at info@ginrummybar.com.
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LA’s best kept Sushi Secret: Yama Sushi Marketplace celebrates 40 years
Yama Sushi Marketplace, LA’s best kept secret, celebrates 40 years
This June 2024, Yama Sushi Marketplace, a rare gem in Los Angeles will celebrate 40 years of the freshest Sashimi and Sushi Angelenos have come to crave and if possible, keep a secret.
“Please don’t tell anyone about this store” whispers one customer while another admits that “It is just not right to gatekeep this any longer!”
https://www.facebook.com/yamaseafoodla
In June 1984, Kenzo Yamada and his wife Nobuko opened Yama Seafood on Las Tunas Drive in San Gabriel.
After many years working as a fish power broker in Los Angeles, Kenzo Yamada or “Yama San” decided to open up his own shop where because of his contacts, was always assured the freshest and best cuts of fish when he visited the fish market every morning.
Today, these same fish companies provide Yama Sushi Marketplace with the freshest fish from all over the world, delivered daily.
https://www.facebook.com/yamaseafoodla
The network of Japanese sushi specialists is quite impressive and Yama san knew them all, from Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu Restaurants), Katsuya Uechi (Katsuya Sushi) and Kazunori Nozawa (Sugarfish and Kazunori).
No doubt that Los Angeles was ground zero for Sushi in the USA
There is no doubt that Los Angeles was ground zero for Sushi in the USA, especially with the guidance of Noritoshi Kanai of Mutual Foods (Japanese Food Distributor who introduced Sushi to the American palette).
Although through the years, many larger Japanese Super Markets began to grow in Los Angeles, Yama Seafood stayed true to form, giving customers personal service to choose the freshest cuts of Salmon, Yellowtail, Blue Fin Tuna as Yama San would personally slice each serving of sashimi for the customers.
https://www.facebook.com/yamaseafoodla
Nobuko San, his wife, would run the front and cook the most delicious side dishes for customers, and customers were always given a bag of ice to keep the fish nice and cold.
One of Yama’s first employees, Enrique Moreno (“Kike San”) became Yama’s right hand man, and helped create the now famous Yama California Roll. “We wanted something special with the correct balance of filling, texture and rice”.
https://www.facebook.com/yamaseafoodla
Last year, in 2023, the Los Angeles Times recognized Yama as having LA’s Best California Roll, and still today, customers line up at Yama for this special sushi. It is true that customers would literally fight over the last California Rolls in the fridge as two customers famously played a tug of war with the last California Roll Sushi as it went flying into the air and spilled on to the floor.
Yama Seafood was San Gabriel’s “Best Kept Secret”
Although Yama Seafood was San Gabriel’s “Best Kept Secret,” many customers through the years heard about Yama and still to this day travel across state lines to grab the Yama Sashimi and Sushi.
Yama San was a fixture in San Gabriel as many customers had a very close and personal relationship with him as he was always very generous with his support of the community.
In May 2021, Yama San decided it was time to pass the torch, and the Kohno Family of San Marino, stepped in to take over this precious gem.
“The actual interview took 6 months”
Scott Kohno
the CEO of EJL Entertainment
Yama San wanted to make sure that he could trust the next generation to maintain the quality and vision that he firmly established in San Gabriel.
With Scott’s extensive background in retail and food throughout the USA and Asia and his family’s experience in finance, marketing and operations, the store was gradually upgraded, and an expansion plan of the new Yama in West LA (opened 2022) and a brand new Yama in K-town (September 2024) commemorates an exciting time for the Yama Sushi Marketplace brand.
Today, Yama Sushi Marketplace has been named the “Adult Disneyland” by one of Yama’s customers as it transcends just a typical market or restaurant.
From the freshest sushi prepared by sushi chefs on the hour every hour, to the largest selection of Sake, curated by Scott’s wife, Wendy a Kikisakeshi (Sake Sommelier) Yama has something for everyone. Unique Shoyu (soy sauce) with Matsutake mushrooms, fresh wasabi, party platters including the new Temaki Time Hand Roll Party Platter and unique gifts and kitchen goods from Japan make the shopping experience second to none.
Whether it is the monthly sushi making or sake tasting classes or the cute Japanese stationery products, Yama is a store that is truly a feast for the eyes (a customer literally walked into to the store with her eyes shielded so she would not be tempted by Yama’s Specialty Gift Table. “I just want sushi today and cannot get distracted by these tempting Japanese gifts!” she insisted. A West LA Father holding the hand of his 4 year old daughter commented “thank you so much for bringing this store to West LA. My daughter and I love Yama and it is now our Friday Night Date Night!”
To commemorate Yama’s 40th milestone, Yama will feature special events during the entire month of June, including retro nostalgic dishes from 40 years ago, mystery grab bags, special 40th anniversary merchandise and the festivities will conclude with the June 29th 40th Anniversary Celebration featuring a Blue Fin Sashimi Cutting Demonstration and Japanese Taiko Drummers.
Yama Seafood LA is a Japanese sushi marketplace
Yama Seafood is a Japanese sushi marketplace with 39 years of history in the San Gabriel Valley. They specialize in offering authentic Japanese meals that customers can enjoy at home, including a variety of party platters.
Both of their stores (San Gabriel and West LA) feature a unique selection of imported Japanese products, snacks, sake and beer, carefully curated and seasonally refreshed by their dedicated team. Additionally, they cater to diverse dietary preferences with grab-and-go items like Chicken Katsu, Somen Salad, and an assortment of Vegan Sushi options under our special brands, Sushi With Attitude and Vegan Sushi With Attitude.
This combination of tradition, quality, and variety makes Yama Seafood (Sushi Marketplace) an ideal destination for anyone seeking an authentic Japanese culinary experience.
For more information, to order online or for grand opening & anniversary celebration activities please visit: https://www.yamaseafoodla.com
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