Crazy Rock'n Sushi

Ok, when I happened upon this little sushi spot tucked away in the middle of Hollywood shadowed by a big Best Buy and bigger Target, I didn't think I'd find what would become my favorite absolute sushi restaurant, so I thought nothing of it.  I joked with a friend that the pictures looked good but we both had concerns with seating at new sushi places so we ordered modestly.  The food trickled out of the kitchen quickly and we both soon learned how fresh the sushi was.  First was the sushi pieces; albacore, tuna, seared ahi, whitefish, and salmon.  They were excellent.  Next were the rolls.  I had the rainbow roll because that would let me know right off the bat whether to bother eating there again.  Fresh and amazing.  I almost didn't stick to my usual order of eating.  Yes I am one of those people who eats the best part last...  It was so great I knew I'd be ordering more.  I can't remember what my friend had as I was elbows deep in sushi heaven.  When another friend joined us, we ended up sharing a fried rice cake (deep fried rice topped with spicy tuna, avocado and special glaze - yummy) and some other rolls.  After the last bite we quickly realized that not only did we be have more than a snack, but we were going to orded twice as much food as we had planned.   An hour, several sakes, 1 more friend, 3 full bellies and $100 later, we walked out smiling and in no mood to traipse around Target.  That was the most/best money I've ever spent on sushi, getting exactly what I paid for and then some.  3 hours later I was still full and content shattering the sushi myth.  Nowadays, they have lunch specials, happy hour (which is almost all day), and a larger menu.  Who says you can't make a good thing better?  I still love to go and sit at the bar and order any one of my many favorites thinking that I may have never found this gem if I hadn't stopped in that day for a "snack."  If you're looking for inexpensive, fresh sushi in a cool low-key place, drop in Crazy Rock'n' Sushi and don't let the cheesy name keep you from some excellent sushi and service!

Jons Market

When you think of grocery stores you think of the big 5.  In L.A. County you can run into the local chain that is Jons.  The logo looks (not so) slightly looks like that of another major chain, but that's neither here nor there... Having shopped at the closest store branch to my home in East Hollywood, I feel like I've found a gem nestled in the griminess that Hollywood can sometimes be.  Most people who know me would call me persnickety (to my face) and at first glance I will admit to being not-so excited about this being the closest store to me... But the more I went in, the more comfortable I got with the friendly staff and the store itself.  They have weekly sales that are out of this world and the selection of international alcohol is a 21 year old's wet dream.  All in all I would rate Jons a solid 7.5.  They aren't the greatest when it comes to checking out.  And though I am young and fast moving, the store's patrons seem to be on the more "have you seen my walker" side of life.

And okay, I still have yet to buy from their meat department.  But... baby steps.  I'm still the mayor for the store on Foursquare.  In the mean time, I'll keep going back for the great vodka sales (sometimes under $10 for a good bottle) and limes .18 for 2 lbs.  Because what's a vodka tonic without the twist...

Jons http://www.jonsmarketplace.com