Celebrate International Sushi Day at Ponzu Palm Springs or Moody Tongue at the Four Seasons LA at Beverly Hills

Did you know International Sushi Day is celebrated on June 18? Americans have fully embraced raw fish in the last few decades. Appreciate this global trend with some of the best sushi in SoCal.

Find the freshest sushi in Palm Springs at Ponzu Sushi where authentic Japanese flavors meet modern culinary innovation with a laid back California twist. Dine outside under misters in view of the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue hiding in the palm fronds or inside with AC in this chic mod setting at the bar or cozy table.

Begin your dining journey with a bottle of earthy sake Kurosawa Kimono sake, miso soup, or an exciting cocktail like the Old Timer Tokyo with Nikka Whiskey, Angostura Bitters, Orange Slice, and Ginger smoked with Cherry Wood, unveiled at the table. You can go wrong with an Espresso Martini or a Marilyn Monroe with cuvee and apple brandy.

Share the Ikura Nigiri (salmon eggs) and fresh salmon carpaccio set in yuzu dressing with fresh garlic, chili oil, and sesame sauce. Ask about specials like the alluring Toro that arrives smoked under a glass bell adorned with seared uni and gold flecks.

Here sushi is meant to be shared. Order some of our favorite signature rolls such as the Ponzu – Canadian salmon, bluefin tuna, yellowtail, and avocado rolled in soy paper, tasting fresh and citrusy topped with a baby lemon slice and a kick of jalapeno sitting in a spicy cilantro sauce.

Lobster lovers will appreciate the Lobster Roll loaded with snow crab, avocado, and cucumber, and topped with lobster tail and baked kewpie mayo. The Beast Roll provides a great crunch with spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, avocado and topped with albacore, jalapeno and fried onions – paired with eel sauce and sesame creamy sauce.

Another go-to favorite menu item is the Millionaire Roll with sushi roll slices rimming a large bowl with yuzu soy dressing and chili oil sauce in the middle meant for dipping. The roll is loaded with shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and avocado topped with bluefin tuna, yellowtail, and Furikake.

End with fried green tea ice cream or Ponzu’s yuzu cheesecake. Check out our @LaLaScoop reel to see the food in action.

Moody Tongue has popped up in the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills from June 13 – September 14. This brewery and restaurant group in Chicago is a Michelin recommended stop, known for its tasting menu of high end sushi, with Tokyo-meets-LA beer pairings from Chef Hiromi Iwakiri.

Delight in their Moody Tongue Asian inspired beers, such as a Yuzu Lager, Pressed Asian Pear Saison aged in Sangiovese wine barrels, and a lightly Toasted Rice Lager – to pair with your raw fish bites from the Signature Selection, an assortment of 10 pieces of specialty nigiri. A hefty hand roll menu also includes some nontraditional ingredient options – such as Wagyu with horseradish cream, Scallop Corn, and Truffle Crab. But you may want to nosh in this dark moody lounge with live music on additional menu items – like Pork Belly Chase, Caviar Fries, or Wagyu Yakitori.