LATimes: The past, deliciously present
...At stylish Yuzu in Torrance, the spirit of washoku, one of the latest buzz words in culinary circles in Japan, emerges as you sit at the gleaming, lacquered counter watching the action in the open, country-style kitchen. Washoku is a revival of pure Japanese flavors and traditional cooking methods. (Wa is the calligraphic symbol for things indigenous to the Japanese culture). Although everyday Japanese eating has absorbed global influences and a certain fondness for pizza and fast-food, the retro washoku trend has fostered a new appreciation for artisanal ingredients and the minimalist preparation styles that coax out their best flavors...more...