Love Life, Hate Kittens

[pic via Doah K. @ yelp]

Let me preface this — I’m not a fan of trendy places that serve sushi. It just doesn’t sit well with me. Maybe I feel like I’m getting ripped off. Maybe I slip into hipster mode and feel its not ‘authentic’. Either way, I was a little weirded out that Chaya Venice serves sushi and had a slightly japanese fusion seafood inspired menu.

[btw. I’ve been to the Chaya in Beverly Hills and it was hands down one of the best meals I’ve had lately]

Anyway, I’m always down to try new places especially given the Chaya name and I was excited to come here since it’s in Venice, very close to my hood. Oh, and parking is wonderful. Park in the attached structure and validate.

For apps, we got calamari with curry sauce and a trio of sashimi (toro, salmon, and kanpachi) and spicy salmon rolls. Every thing was really fresh. Yes, I will say it’s a bit pricey but then again isn’t sashimi overpriced to begin with? The calamari was yummy and I enjoyed the sauce.

For my main, I got the Sea Scallops wrapped in New York Steak Sautéed in a Dijon Pommerey Mustard Sauce. Fancy right? The special of the night was the ‘surf and turf’ special with lobster and steak. OMG I know. Totally should have gotten that instead especially since it was a general consensus that it was the best steak ever. Grrr.

Anyway, my entrée was good. But not great. I think I expected a bit more given the delicious name and also recently I made seared butter tarragon scallops at home and THOSE turned out exceptional. Eh. Maybe it’s also that scallops have a texture that you easily tire of. Good but not great.

Altough I’m not a dessert girl. I loved loved loved the bread pudding. So delicious. It was sweet without being overpowering and I would definitely get it again.

Let’s get to the good part. Chaya Venice serves a GREAT happy hour from 5 to 11:30PM on Mondays and Sundays. All their rolls and dishes range between $4 to $8. So clutch right? Next time I’m seeking a late night supper, I know where to go.

Chaya Venice 
110 Navy Street
Venice, CA 90293
(310) 396-1179
www.thechaya.com