Hasu Kitchen - Torrance

A hidden gem, an unexpected find in yet another sketchy-looking strip mall in Torrance. It's a gold mine for food on sticks. 

I've been to plenty of izakayas by now, and I've tried enough to know that Hasu Kitchen is exceptional. The skewers are loaded with tender, perfectly grilled bits of every kind of meat. Each morsel is well-seasoned, and prepared with a polish that is rare to find. 

We start with a small plate, the Wasabi Octopus. Squares of raw tako ride the line between slimy and slick. Each piece is incredibly fresh-tasting, finished with a jolting breath of wasabi. 

Chicken Gizzards are a classic, but they turn to rubber fast. The ones here are supple in texture all the way through and are even a little bit juicy.

Slices of Grilled Beef Tongue are meaty but soft and fragrant. The flavor is beefy with a lighter touch. 

I LOVE the Chicken Heart. It's a muscular piece, but the meat has an elasticity to it that changes up the texture. They were tragically out of the special heart, but this skewer is hardly a settle. They also make a soft, slightly fluffy Chicken Meatball that drips sweet sauce.

A Grilled Rice Ball is the new black. It goes with everything, and the crispy crust is irresistible. 

Pork Belly, the other white meat. Savory chunks mingle with oozing, liquid lard.

The Chicken Thigh includes a strip of skin to protect it from the flames. It keep the inside from getting dry and makes a scrumptious snack. 

The Chicken Skin is crisp on the outside and more chewy underneath. It's a melt-in-your-mouth marvel.

There is no treat like a good roasted Quail Egg. This little egg has no taste of sulfur, and a swipe of soy and a good flaming makes it deeply delicious. 

Deep Fried Chicken Skin. The only thing that rivals chicken skin for my affections. Crunchy, light, and airy, great with a squeeze of lemon. 

I don't know if they're still open, but I really hope they are. The first and hopefully not last time I went there, they posted a sign about the increased rent that was forcing them to relocate. Well I hope they found a way to make it work - it's too soon to let something this good go. If they do stay, though, I plan to make up that extra rent with my patronage!