I came to Ryla on a recommendation from a food friend I kinda trust, but don't worry, Ryla checks out. It's the first of its kind in Hermosa, Baran's notwithstanding. A seasonal, farmer's market-fresh menu of Asian competently-fused, it's worth a try if you're willing to spend and unwilling to drive.
The Hokkaido Scallop Crudo makes a safe starter, a pretty plate of flowery-fresh scallops in a drizzle of fermented tomato water.
The White Sesame Caesar Salad is actually incredible, a memorable spin on a mundane money-maker. The dressing is creamy and sweet with sesame for extra umami, and the anchovies make it pop.
Nashville Spiced Hot Chicken Karaage has a batter that is the pinnacle of crisp and crunch, spiced up just enough to make a splash but not so much you're choking on the paste. The chicken can stand alone, but the charred scallion mayo dip is sublime.
I can never say no to Mexican Street Corn Esquites, and this one is a wow. It's street corn on crack, amplified by earthy poblano, extra-creamy crema and extra grainy-creamy cotija cheese. SO much cream but I can't complain.
Grilled New Zealand Tai Snapper has a coconut broth that is so lovely. Take a spoonful of this snapper (which could have used a touch more seasoning) on a spoon and sip the broth. There's a spicy kick to this soup, and a bit of lime adds a perfect touch. The mussels are amazing, but their role in this dish is unclear, and the pile of tasteless, steamed-soft carrots and daikon were confusing.
Ox Tongue Curry Rice has cubes of meat that melt away. Summer squash and carrots throughout, could have been cooked more, and I wish there was a few more morsels of meat to balance. As you can clearly see, the dish is mostly squash and the curry isn't one to remember.
I liked it overall, and I like some things a lot, but I really can't say I loved it. Lots of potential, and some dishes really pop, but I've had better, especially in LA. It's fine-dining good and Beach-Cities great, but compared to LA, it just doesn't equate. Oh
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