by Olympia Rylant on This review is for my first time at Marbella. Let me set the record straight: I guess they fixed that automatic gratuity because I bought drinks the whole night and tip wasn't automatically included. Pros: Really pretty despite how shady it looks outside Got my drinks fast Drinks were strong Good music Great outdoors area for smokers No line to the bathroom for the ladies! So I never really go out to Hollywood but this night was an exception. I didn't even mind paying $10 parking 2 blocks down. Walking to Marbella felt safe--lots of lights and people. Honestly, when I got there, it did look really shady--we were waiting in line in this dark street by a dumpster. BUT once inside, it was so pretty! There are outside areas for smokers or for those who don't want to be cramped in the hot dance crowd. There are also a couple of areas to order drinks so you can get them quick and strong! I agree it is an azn invasion, but that's fine with me. That may actually be an incentive for others. It's funny that I live so far away yet saw familiar faces here. So Hollywood. But after all, I don't think I'd go back. I don't dance. I don't need to get dressed up to find out I look like all the other girls in line. I think I'm fine with a nice mellow bar with some good drinks and that's not so loud that I have to yell to hear someone or so crowded we have to hold hands to get through the crowd. It's just not for me!
by Tamiko Ferdinandsen on This is my 4th visit to this upscale Japanese restaurant. As a sushi-chaser, I do not order anything from their fancy menu of creative dishes yet. So, this is my review of sushi experience at Morimoto. Honestly, it is sad to mention, Chef Morimoto himself barely visit this place anymore - as I heard. My very first visit, all sushi/sashimi was served by Chef Morimoto - certainly, it was good. Since then, main sushi chef there has changed a few...my most recent visit was about a month ago. I tried to make a reservation at the sushi bar; but hostess could not (or did not), take it somehow. So, me and my wife ended up waiting upstairs for a while...despite we got there at 5:00PM sharp. Anyway, we were able to sit on the counter space. As waitress insisted to order things through her (again), I just talked to sushi chef to accommodate a little - he could not agree. Why? All my previous visits were nicely handled by sushi chef at that time. Because of this, I took one star away. Oh well, the review I would like to stick with "food" for sure; but if expected service, as I typically end up spending a lot, cannot be met, I have no choice but reduce the star...otherwise, I was about to give 5 stars...of course, without mentioning CP. OK, the main part - sushi/sashimi part. They serve very distinctive sushi/sashimi in Philadelphia area for sure. Very nice selections and nice quality...but wait a little - Toro could be a little bit aged and accompanied by a little more vingery rice? This certainly is my preference; but it could be better, especially if they charge that much money for Toro. Hirame, Tai, Suzuki, Saba..all good. Salmon could be a little better, I thought. Mirugai, Aoyagi were also good...as I like those shellfish a lot. I couldn't agree with Uni - chef said it was from Japan; but there are good ones from West Coast that time of year. Why not use a better (and bigger) one? - again, just my preference. As usual, one thing I have to mention at this place is "Puffer fish" - yes, poison geared Blow Fish. There are only very few places serve this type of fish in US. Morimoto is one of them; but they did not have it that night :( Side story - I like Morimoto original beer, but not original sake; and of course, I have to mention CP - "bad" as much as it could be, but not as bad as Masa in NYC for sure.
