Where the sushi bars shop?

[bigmamafoodie]

I'm looking for names/addresses of the fish markets downtown where the sushi restaurants shop. I don't know if it is one location or several. Help! Also, someone indicated to me that they are only open weekdays?

[JeetJet]

Sounds like you want fresh fish. Nothing is more fresh than alive and swiming but I don't know of places downtown that have such tanks. Here are two other ideas.

Vien Dong -- Superfood Warehouse (Live lobster, crabs and some fish but also many kinds of fresh fish on ice)
2650 Rosemead Blvd. (Between 10 and 60 frys -- South of Garvey)
South El Monte, CA 91733
[phone]

In Gardena on Artisia Blvd., at a major intersection (maybe Western?, maybe Crenshaw?, not sure, but it is on a S/W corner and you enter from Artisia) there is a large members only store that offers all things Japanese / Pacific rim (think food & drink). Anyway, they have a large live fish tank and when you point at the fish swiming past you it will soon be wrapped in paper for you.. I am not sure if they will let you in without membership, on a one time bases, but it is worth a try if you are in the area. Great prices for members.

[monku]

In Gardena you talking about Marukai? It's on Western & Artesia. Membership store.
I don't recall a live fish tank there though.
Corner of Normandie and Artesia there's a Ranch 99.

[JeetJet]

It has been maybe two years since I went there with a friend who s a member and bought several cases of Hawaiian Sun Drinks. That same day my friend showed me several other places he shops at and... I am starting to.....forget what I am talking about ... monku, don't get old, k? anyway, nearby their is a place with a large tank (taller then six feet, it is like a wall of live fish.... as I recall, but that is me talking), I know, I will send an email to my buddy. Tanks...

[monku]

Was probably Ranch 99 where you saw the tanks of live fish...only a few blocks away.

[ipsedixit]

Vien Dong is no more.

[JeetJet]

That place was packed with people every time I went there and the parking lot was full. Do you know it the building is boarded up or open under another name?

[ipsedixit]

I believe it is a Shun Fat Market now.

[The Chowhound Team]

Folks-

The fresh vs frozen fish in sushi digression has been split off to its own thread here:FC

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/668898

[monku]

Los Angeles Fish Company
Open to the public too. Think it's weekdays only.
http://www.lafishco.com/index.php

420 Stanford Ave, Los Angeles, CA‎ - [phone]‎

[cls]

International Marine is no 1, and I think they're open Saturday mornings.
They're all around 7th and San Pedro / Central

[LAGirl]

Yes, International Marine seems to be the go to place for sushi chefs (at least on the westside). I believe that there may be certain times when they are open to the general public...so I recommend calling before you head down there.