Happy Hour at Blackship (West Hollywood)

Blackship in West Hollywood is named after the fleet of black ships that the United States sent to Japan in the 1850s, opening trade between US and Japan. The name is appropriate for the Japanese-Italian cuisine at the restaurant, headed by chef Keiichi Kurobe, who previously worked at Hinoki & The Bird.

A while back I went for their happy hour, which is one of the best happy hour in town for food, especially considering they have happy hour on Saturdays also. Happy hour is from 6-7pm on Tuesday-Saturday.  The deal is you can get 3 items for $21, from the special food and drink list.

The best thing to get in my opinion is the amberjack crudo with basil, radish, and green goddess dressing. Where else can you get amberjack crudo for $7?

The portion was pretty generous and the radish and green goddess complemented the fattiness of the amberjack.

There are seven options from the food menu, including this Momotaro Tomatoes, house-made ricotta, balsamic soy, toasted country loaf



T.K.G. Arancini, umami soy sauce, chino valley egg yolk

The arancini was the smaller of the happy hour items, but a great snack.

If you want something filling, get the Sweet Summer Pepper Focaccia with fontina, rosemary (this can also be made vegan)


Niman Ranch Beef Meatballs, tamari glaze, polenta, wasabi relish, japanese cucumber
I really enjoyed the sweet tamari glaze on these meatballs.

Squash Blossoms, whipped tofu, pesto aioli (vegan)

These squash blossoms with whipped tofu were another favorite of mine, the batter is nice and light.

The drink list is limited, with a white wine, a red wine and a couple of beers but both wines I tried were quite good.
Blackship's happy hour menu is one of the best food happy hour deals. You can easily do a light dinner with a glass of wine for $21, including the amberjack crudo!

Blackship

8512 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
https://www.blackshipla.com/