The modern kaiseki restaurant presented by JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will feature a rotating series of Michelin-starred chefs, emerging talent, and highly revered masters, starting with Taro Araki, Executive Chef for the Consul-General of Japan in Los Angeles
L: INN ANN Omakase; R: INN ANN interior
(Photo credit: Wonho Frank Lee, Ryan Miller)
LOS ANGELES - November 15, 2018 - Los Angeles’ newest Japanese kaiseki concept INN ANN opens its doors at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. INN ANN translates to “hidden retreat,” and this innovative new dining room aims to be an experience that will foster discovery and curiosity, showcasing Japanese culture, traditions, and rich heritage through the lens of its cuisine. INN ANN is located on the 5th floor of Hollywood & Highland within JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, and will feature a rotating lineup of Japanese chefs including a mix of highly accomplished talent and rising star chefs, with the aim of introducing diners to Japanese culinary techniques, ingredients, and sensibilities. The opening concept of the tasting menu is overseen by Chef Taro Araki, Executive Chef for the Consul-General of Japan in Los Angeles, allowing patrons of INN ANN in its opening months to dine like foreign dignitaries and experience Japan with all five senses.
Staying true to its ethos, “Discover Umami,” INN ANN will be a discovery for diners seeking out the “hidden” location nestled within an intimate fifth-floor space at JAPAN HOUSE, as well as foster awareness and appreciation for the delicate cuisine and distinct flavors of Japan. The opening menu is a traditional, seasonal kaiseki with a deliberate focus on California ingredients and produce, under the guidance of celebrated Chef Taro Araki. The set omakase menus are available in two options including a vegetarian version, and will stay true to the traditional kaiseki approach with a multitude of courses of meticulously crafted and artistically plated dishes emphasizing seasonal ingredients. The meals will take diners on a gastronomic journey starting with Zensai, or small appetizers including Japanese Omelet with Truffle, Shrimp in Dashi Jelly, Sesame Tofu Croquette, and Miso Marinated Cheese, among others, move through a sashimi course, first and second courses, and culminate with a dessert course, featuring Chef Taro Araki’s signature Orange Purin. The beverage program will have a heavy focus on Japenese wines and spirits including an extensive selection of rare sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskey, as well as a thoughtful cocktail list, all intended to pair with the omakase dishes.
INN ANN’s rotating chef lineup adds an additional aspect of discovery to the dining experience by showcasing many distinct perspectives on the various styles of Japanese cooking and tradition. Chef Taro Araki, who has served as the chef to the Consul-General of Japan in Los Angeles for over a decade and was honored with the Excellency Award by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2016, brings his decades of experience and culinary expertise to consulting on the opening concept, curating the opening omakase menus and overseeing execution. Following Araki, the chefs will rotate out seasonally.
The design of the restaurant is in line with the greater JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles aesthetic. The result is a sleek and comfortable 35-seat restaurant with an intimate sushi bar and unparalleled views of the city. Dishes will be served on Japanese porcelain Arita-Yaki plates and dishwear to further enhance the experience and immerse guests in Japanese culture.
INN ANN is located on the 5th floor of Hollywood & Highland at JAPAN HOUSE, sitauated at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30pm-10:00pm. Omakase menu prices range from $75-100. For more information, please visit the website or follow along on Instagram @japanhousela, Facebook at Facebook.com/JapanHouseLA/, and Twitter @JHLosAngeles.
ABOUT JAPAN HOUSE
JAPAN HOUSE is an innovative, worldwide project with three hubs—London, Los Angeles, and Sao Paulo—conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Kenya Hara is Chief Creative Director for the project, which seeks to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community. JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles occupies two floors at Hollywood & Highland, with the second floor featuring a gallery space and shop. The fifth floor hosts a Japanese restaurant, relaxing library, and event space, along with spectacular views of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. The 2nd floor has been open since December 2017, and with the completion of the 5th floor, JAPAN HOUSE celebrated its grand opening in August 2018, offering the public a place of new discovery that transcends the physical and conceptual boundaries creating experiences that reflect the best of Japan.
Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Website: www.japanhousela.com