Blog
Saijo, a New Japanese Dining Experience, Opens in Culver City
03.30.25
From the team behind JINYA Ramen Bar and Robata, JINYA Holdings is introducing its latest concept — Saijo, a 24-seat counter-style restaurant specializing in hand rolls (temaki) and grilled skewers (kushiyaki) — opening April 2 in Culver City.
Founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi was inspired by his time in Saijo City, Japan — home to a historic JINYA (a small castle) and Saijo High School, where he studied. The new concept brings together two signature elements of Japanese cuisine: freshly prepared temaki and flavorful kushiyaki.
Saijo’s hand rolls feature high-quality sushi ingredients, while its kushiyaki menu highlights expertly grilled meats and seafood. The menu also includes appetizers, hosomaki, and a curated beverage list of sake, beer and wine. Takeout and delivery will be available through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, with bento boxes offered exclusively to-go.
Designed to be an immersive experience, the intimate 24-seat countertop invites guests to watch chefs meticulously prepare each dish. The focus is on precision, freshness and exceptional ingredients.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality starts with its nori. Saijo uses Hatsuzumi Nori, imported from the Ariake Sea in Fukuoka, selected for its sweetness, delicate texture and high umami. Only 5% of the annual harvest qualifies as first-harvest nori, making it a rare treat. The sushi rice is also time-controlled for ideal temperature and consistency.
Saijo’s kushiyaki offerings include A5 Miyazaki wagyu, pork belly chashu, shrimp, unagi (grilled eel), Chilean sea bass and a variety of chicken and vegetable skewers — all grilled to perfection.
For more information, visit jinya-ramenbar.com.
Operating hours will be Wednesday to Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. The restaurant will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Saijo joins a legacy of successful concepts that began with Sabakurou, the original Tokyo restaurant that opened in 2000, and evolved into Robata JINYA and JINYA Ramen Bar. This new concept represents an exciting evolution of the brand’s expertise in Japanese cuisine.
12473 Washington Blvd. in Culver City.
Blog
South County Outreach’s Empty Bowls Gala 2025: Setting the Table for Change
03.27.25
South County Outreach invites the community to the 2025 Empty Bowls Gala on Thursday, April 10, at 5 p.m. at its Irvine headquarters. This year’s theme, Setting the Table for Change, reflects the heart of SCO’s mission to end hunger and homelessness in Orange County.
The annual event takes on new meaning this year as SCO opens its doors and welcomes guests in like family. Held onsite at South County Outreach, the immersive experience brings attendees face-to-face with the impact of food and housing insecurity—and the solutions that lead to lasting change.
Guests will experience interactive exhibits and compelling storytelling that highlight the challenges faced by local families and the programs that help them move forward. Following the exhibits, attendees will enjoy a selection of local food trucks and connect with fellow advocates, supporters and community changemakers.
More than a fundraiser, Empty Bowls is a movement. It’s where awareness becomes action, and compassion turns into meaningful support. Every ticket and sponsorship helps provide nutritious meals, housing assistance and educational programs for families working to build stable futures.
For over 30 years, South County Outreach has served as a place of hope for those in need. Through its homeless prevention and food distribution programs—delivering more than 700,000 pounds of food annually—SCO reaches nearly 2,000 children and thousands of individuals across the region.
When you walk through the doors at Empty Bowls, you’re not just attending an event—you’re joining a community determined to make a difference.
Tickets and sponsorships are available at: sco-oc.org/get-involved/empty-bowls
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