May 18, 2005 Sushi Secret We have been asked not to tell you about Hama. Sushi-lovers who know about it appreciate that their secret hasn't gotten out...so far. But some secrets are too good to keep. Hama Sushi in Little Tokyo is sushi for purists. Don't come here expecting teriyaki, because it's not on the menu. Don't order tempura either. This ain't no Benihana. Hama is all about sushi. In its freshest, simplest form. It's about sitting side-by-side with native Japanese while they order fish you didn't even realize was edible. It's about sitting at the bar because there's too little other seating to speak of. The U-shaped bar virtually fills the cozy space entirely. As for price, a recent meal for two including two large Saporro beers put a $50 dent on the old credit card, before tip. In an age when you can buy crab salad cut rolls at Costco, and when bastardized sushi is served all over town, dripping with sauces and filled with everything but pizza toppings (Hmmm...could we be onto something?), Hama is a refreshing return to the elegant presentation that made sushi a California favorite to begin with. Just don't tell anyone. Hama Sushi is located at 347 E 2nd Street. Tel: 213.680.3454