64894 Mon Dec 06 13:54:30 -0800 2004 5 2 Los Angeles Area 0 349210 This place opened a couple of weeks ago in the space that was formerly Il Balcone. Has anyone tried it? Mon Dec 06 13:54:30 -0800 2004 0 Bob Brooks 1 349212 Does this have any affliation with the recently deceased Martin Yan's SensAsian restaurants in Orange County? If you google it, there is a recent review by a local paper which seems to suggest that the menu is almost the same. Mon Dec 06 13:58:40 -0800 2004 349210 0 elmomonster 2 349282 Did you mean that Martin Yan recently died, or that his restaurant in OC closed? Anyway, instead of waiting for a report from others, I went for lunch today. First, I doubt this is similar to a Martin Yan owned chain because it is a distinctly Korean take on Japanese food. Secondly, it's not very good. I had a bento box combination lunch with teriyaki chicken and mixed tempura. It also included a cut shrimp and avocado roll with soup, salad and rice. It was $8.95 and all of it was sub par. The service was very friendly and efficient. Unfortunately, there was only one other table occupied besides ours and a single at the sushi bar. I wonder what will be there next. Mon Dec 06 19:32:45 -0800 2004 349212 0 Bob Brooks 3 349335 I meant that his restaurant closed down. Interestingly, it was the death of Yan's partner that hastened the closure of the two SensAsian restaurants. In any case, it sounds like SensAsian II is not worth any more discussion. Tue Dec 07 02:25:51 -0800 2004 349282 0 elmomonster 3 349464 Question well taken Bob. Martin Yan's concept was owned by Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, better known as Yum Brands. That said, the reason it died is they could not find locations, the food was not competitive, etc., your choice. This location has nothing to do with that operation, but all restaurants on the north side of the boulevard in that area are the kiss of death, and even the south side is not overly successful, as the Baja Fresh is only a soso volume, while the Topz burger joint is history. If you want to buy Amazone B&G, just let me know!!! Tue Dec 07 22:42:37 -0800 2004 349282 0 carter 4 349485 Think it's the lack of parking on that side of the street? Mon has been in business for years now and seems crowded. We used to go there sometimes, but had one too many bad meals and knocked it off the list. Also the Japanese skewer place on the upper floor of La Reina has been around a long time, and it ain't inexpensive. When I first moved to the neighborhood the old Le Cafe was open and while I wasn't thrilled with dinners there, they had these amazing corn pancakes at Sunday brunch. Now I can't remember which place replaced which, there have been so many different restaurants in that little section right between Cedros and Vesper. Wed Dec 08 01:51:39 -0800 2004 349464 0 Debbie W.