"Unagi Don is possibly my favorite of all composed Japanese dishes; well worthy of that famous Last Meal status. Unagi is an ancient food source, consisting of mature fresh water Eel: a type of very fatty elongated fish. It was originally abundant in the cold water rivers and estuaries surrounding Edo Bay (now Tokyo harbor). The first recorded Unagi stalls in Edo go back to the early 17th Century, right along the same time as the origins of Edomae style Zushi (the precursor to modern day Sushi, but the pieces were much larger and often the fish was expertly fermented to improve its flavor and to help it last longer). Both Zushi and Unagi were considered the Fast Food of the day. Eaten standing up, these simple but delicious hand held meals were served for pennies a piece to the tens of thousands of construction workers who poured into the city during Edo 's huge expansion period at the beginning of the Tokagawa Shogunate Era, laying the cornerstones of what would become Edomae Cuisine, and what would later be considered by most of the World as Japanese Food . This famous restaurant opened its doors to customers in 1909, following Japans unexpected war victory over the Russian Empire, after which Japan expanded significantly, becoming the richest and most advanced of all Asian nations. It was a time of great prosperity and national pride when members of the growing Japanese Middle Class started to eat their meals out... A LOT... and where Eateries, Izakaya, Food Carts, and Noodle Shops began opening on every corner and down every alleyway. So it is no surprise that this Los Angeles branch of that venerated 1909 Tokyo restaurant is probably the best and most authentic Unagi house outside of Japan or Korea by many miles. That said, another authentic element transferred directly from Japan, aside from the high quality of the food and thoughtful presentation, is the price point. Gone are the days of hitting some late night Korean joint at Western and 6th for a pitcher of beer and a sixteen dollar bowl of Unagi Don. The price at Toku Unagi and Sushi is more like fifty dollars to ninety eight dollars per person for the Full Unagi Set ; albeit which includes a lot more than at my old Korean joint did. The full set includes not only a 350g whole Unagi imported from Japan, expertly seasoned and grilled over Japanese high heat point charcoal in the kitchen and served on a bed of high end rice; it also includes an assortment of Japanese pickles and a bowl of hot soup. And if you really want to up your game you can swap out the regular imported special unagi for the super gourmet Extra Special Imported Unagi (I suppose its like the A5 Wagyu of Freshwater Eel , a little pricier; but what the heck). There is even an option to turn your extra special unagi don into Ohitsu , in which they give you a side of special tea broth to pour over your rice. And to add a little extra expensive flavor to the banquet, there is a full sushi bar with some fine looking fish in its cooling cabinet. So, for an extra special extra authentic Japanese food experience, come here and check this place out. Just... treat it like Vegas, and only bring as much money as you are willing to spend. After all, your kids will still all need to go to college one day."
Crunchy Roll
