Shinsengumi Yakitori UPDATE - Gardena

In just three days I'll be done with wards for the rest of my residency. Sunday will be my last day of wards FOR LIFE. No more practice after Sunday, they'll just unleash me on all the unsuspecting patients out there as soon as they hand me a certificate in June.

The prospect of practicing alone is as daunting as finding a place to eat dinner on Christmas Day without a reservation.

Shensengumi Yakatori had a table, and entering to a chorus of welcoming yells was as sweet as unwrapping an unexpected gift under twinkling tree.

The skewers were strung by the chefs with care, in the hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there. The Bacon-wrapped Quail Eggs were bright glistening balls of gristle, like lights on a string.

The Garlic is threaded like garlands, pungent but softer after a good roast.

Straw Mushrooms stick out slightly from within the the rolls of bacon, adding texture like threads of tinsel.

Little ball-like ornaments of Chicken Cartilage dot another skewer-tree.

All these skewers are like little stocking stuffers - small parts of a great combination. Crunch goes well with crisp - the Chicken Cartilage tastes just as good deep-fried.

The Fried Baby Octopus is another not-too-greasy option if batter is your thing.

The Pork Belly and Beef Tongue are basic essentials - Christmas is incomplete without a red Starbucks cup, and yakitori is incomplete without chunks of meat.

A trifecta of Sausage, really juicy Shiitake Mushroom, and flavorful medium-rare Flap Meat are as satisfying as new fallen snow.

The Rice Ball is a little bit burnt, but it's a good bite if you're looking for a break from all the meat.

There's a lot of pressure around the holidays to make them Special-Skin-special, but I think people try too hard. The holidays are about being thankful for family and friends and appreciating what you have. I think the key to a happy holiday is to keep it Chicken-Skin-simple - sometimes the real blessings get lost in the sauce.

I love Shinsengumi Yakatori. They keep it simple, and what you see is what you get. Their warm-and-noisy casual atmosphere is welcoming, and what you get is the freedom to sit back and savor each skewer. IMHO, that's what the holidays should be about too.