Veteran's Day

Today is a great time to reflect and remember all those who enabled generations of Americans to live their lives in freedom. This Veteran's Day, please say a special word of thanks to all of those who have kept our country safe and our freedoms secure. Their bravery, their resourcefulness, and their patriotism mark them as our nation’s finest citizens.

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The Americana at Brand

The third Katsuya born from SBE Restaurant Group's partnership with master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi and super-star designer Phillippe Starck. Chic, modern design meets inventive sushi in a nouveau-mall environment that rivals the Grove. The sushi was as good as the Katsu-ya in Studio City that we go to, however, it was a completely different experience. The two story restaurant is beautiful (very trendy) and the service was great. They had an interesting twist on sushi bar seating, which was perfect for the four of us. Little tables jetted out from the sushi bar to accomodate more sushi bar seating. It is also much better for group socializing. It was a great dinner, but very pricey, of course! Pete, Kim, Chad and myself indulged in Seared Tuna w/ Japanese Salsa, Spicy Albacore Sashimi w/ Crispy Onion, Crispy Rice w/ Spicy Tuna, Special Katsuya Roll, Blue Crab Hand Roll, Salmon Sushi, Crispy Sesame Tuna, lots of Cold Saki!

We didn't have much time to explore the "Americana", but walking down the paved pathways, you almost feel as if you're strolling Boston's Newbury Street or Georgetown in Washington D.C. Or the main drag in Vegas. A 2-acre grassy knoll features an 80-foot "dancing" fountain, the centerpiece of the project, with stores and a playground curving around all sides. Some stores include: Calvin Klein, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Lacoste, Martin + Osa, Free People, H&M, Juicy Couture, Custo Barcelona and XXI from Forever 21, Kiehl's, Beard Papa, Barneys New York Co-Op, Kate Spade and Tiffany & Co. Can't wait to go back!

We stopped at the retro-Polynesian restaurant Damon's on the way for dangerously potent mai tai. They make a good string drink there!

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