Kahuna Tiki, North Hollywood, CA (restaurant) - Locating Tiki

C CheekyGirl Tiki Socialite Like Oh My Gawd..San Fernando Valley Joined: May 21, 2003 Posts: 987	C CheekyGirl Posted posted on Tue, Aug 19, 2014 8:13 AM We went to the place last Saturday, here are my thoughts. As far as the sushi, the items we sampled were fantastic. The specialty rolls had many creative and unique twists. The Tiki Tiki roll was sans rice and was rolled in cucumber--a Paleo dieter’s delight. The Lava roll had a sweet habanero sauce and jalapeno lime drizzle that was absolutely delicious. They also had your standard rolls. I had a spicy tuna hand roll and I must say that the quality of the tuna was wonderful. The balance of the menu had plenty of items for everyone to enjoy. We were not turned off by the large appetizer menu. I don’t see anything wrong about having options. Often times we are not in the mood for entrees and instead like nibbling and will order few appetizers and drinks. We thought the choices were great. With the exception of the sushi bar area, it’s basically an open patio. With large live trees dotting the interior, I can just imagine what it must look like on a clear starry night. Love the water features and the waterfall adds to the relaxing outdoor ambience. As far as the décor, I must admit it was a little lacking. The owner is trying and as mentioned by other he's not necessarily "tiki", so I appreciate the effort. I think he was trying to create a little piece of paradise in the NOHO district. Yes, the tiki masks were generic, with a few nice pieces splattered here and there. Personally, I would have opted for quality rather filling the walls. At this point it is rather Spartan, but I hope that some quality artwork will phase out the junk. Some thatch wall covering would have given the place a better vibe. I could do without colorful painted tikis on one side of the sushi bar. I happened to be sitting by the owner, nice guy, and he was planning on going to the Oasis on Sunday to pick-up some item. I also mentioned the International Market Place to him. The sushi bar area was painted an upbeat aqua blue. I would have preferred to see a darker color such as a nice brown/orange, but I could see how he might have wanted to separate the two areas and keep the sushi area a bit brighter. At this point, no alcohol yet, but I was told that tropical drinks are yet to come. If the creativity of the sushi rolls is an indication of the drink potential, I remain hopeful. We are definitely going back once they get their alcohol license in order. We did go down to the Tonga Hut to throw back a few drinks there. If anything, if the drinks in this place don't pan out, that may just be the ticket. Eat some fantastic sushi at Kahuna Tiki and hit up the Tonga Hut. Just my two cents....I think the place should add “Sushi Bar and Exotic Drinks” underneath the Kahuna Tiki sign. (of course, once they get their alcohol license in order). All in all, I think it has potential. Okole Maluna! [ Edited by: CheekyGirl 2014-08-19 13:07 ]

We went to the place last Saturday, here are my thoughts.

As far as the sushi, the items we sampled were fantastic. The specialty rolls had many creative and unique twists. The Tiki Tiki roll was sans rice and was rolled in cucumber--a Paleo dieter’s delight. The Lava roll had a sweet habanero sauce and jalapeno lime drizzle that was absolutely delicious. They also had your standard rolls. I had a spicy tuna hand roll and I must say that the quality of the tuna was wonderful.

The balance of the menu had plenty of items for everyone to enjoy. We were not turned off by the large appetizer menu. I don’t see anything wrong about having options. Often times we are not in the mood for entrees and instead like nibbling and will order few appetizers and drinks. We thought the choices were great.

With the exception of the sushi bar area, it’s basically an open patio. With large live trees dotting the interior, I can just imagine what it must look like on a clear starry night. Love the water features and the waterfall adds to the relaxing outdoor ambience.

As far as the décor, I must admit it was a little lacking. The owner is trying and as mentioned by other he's not necessarily "tiki", so I appreciate the effort. I think he was trying to create a little piece of paradise in the NOHO district. Yes, the tiki masks were generic, with a few nice pieces splattered here and there.

Personally, I would have opted for quality rather filling the walls. At this point it is rather Spartan, but I hope that some quality artwork will phase out the junk. Some thatch wall covering would have given the place a better vibe. I could do without colorful painted tikis on one side of the sushi bar. I happened to be sitting by the owner, nice guy, and he was planning on going to the Oasis on Sunday to pick-up some item. I also mentioned the International Market Place to him.

The sushi bar area was painted an upbeat aqua blue. I would have preferred to see a darker color such as a nice brown/orange, but I could see how he might have wanted to separate the two areas and keep the sushi area a bit brighter.

At this point, no alcohol yet, but I was told that tropical drinks are yet to come. If the creativity of the sushi rolls is an indication of the drink potential, I remain hopeful.

We are definitely going back once they get their alcohol license in order. We did go down to the Tonga Hut to throw back a few drinks there. If anything, if the drinks in this place don't pan out, that may just be the ticket. Eat some fantastic sushi at Kahuna Tiki and hit up the Tonga Hut.

Just my two cents....I think the place should add “Sushi Bar and Exotic Drinks” underneath the Kahuna Tiki sign. (of course, once they get their alcohol license in order).

All in all, I think it has potential.

Okole Maluna!

[ Edited by: CheekyGirl 2014-08-19 13:07 ]

Post #725679 by CheekyGirl on Tue, Aug 19, 2014 8:13 AM