Katsuya by Stark – New location in San Diego
As anyone north of Long Beach and south of Santa Barbara can attest, San Diego was once the last place anyone would expect to find a restaurant fit to serve the likes of Hollywoodites (not that the San Diegans minded much). At least, that would’ve been the case, say, ten years ago, when a person’s reason for traveling south to San Diego was either to visit family, to escape the busyness of more heavily trafficked cities or to slip across the border for a little underage drinking.
More so lately, however, the seaside retreat has immersed itself in a lively new restaurant and bar culture akin to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Miami. San Diego now not only hosts the celebrity-ridden Comic-Con each summer, but also a younger crowd of famous faces, such as Ashton Kutcher, Kelly Osborne and, yes, the Kardashians have been seen partying like rockstars in the Gaslamp Quarter.
That said, it’s no surprise these days that one of L.A.’s most beloved sushi restaurants, Katsuya, has somehow found its way into the area. What’s more, according to Discover SD, sbe Restaurant Group has taken on a new partner for the Andaz Hotel digs, San Diego Charger Shaun Philips, which is bound to bring in a new sports crew.
The restaurant, which opens officially March 15, continues its Katsuya tradition with the partnering of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and design impresario Philippe Starck for a combo of bold, Japanese artwork, subtle, yet strong architectural lines and food that will make you salivate for more before its even landed on your table.
If this Katsuya is anything like its Hollywood namesake, guests should plan well ahead for reservations, especially during special events weeks, such as Comic-Con this coming July. And be sure to go ready to spend, as the smaller portions tend to add up quickly. For Katsuya, however (and you may soon agree), no expense should be spared.
I grew up in San Diego, and it’s certainly exciting to see how rapidly it has been developing over the last few years. Of course there are downsides (esp. traffic!), but anyone who remembers downtown in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s is nuts if they long for the old days of aggressive panhandlers on every corner.
Looks really lovely, and tasty. Though I’m still not sure about sushi. Maybe one of these days I’ll take the leap and get brave enough to try it.
And Hollywood gets around these days. We even have it here in northern Michigan, with our Traverse City Film Festival every summer.