Taka-O - San Clemente's First Japanese Restaurant
Story by Barbara Brill

For Japanese cuisine, there's a great importance placed on appearance, presentation and freshness.

Because of those important factors, Taka-O, San Clemente's first Japanese restaurant, has not only survived one of Orange County's worst recessions, but has doubled in size since Irene Kyoko Sugano first opened its doors 23 years ago.

Now, this is quite an accomplishment, especially since the restaurant business is tough one. One that comes and goes faster than a speeding train.

Mrs. Sugano, who is now retired and living in Irvine, knew her business. She had restaurants in Torrance, in Laguna Beach, in Mission Viejo, and in Dana Point Harbor before moving to San Clemente and opening Taka-O. And, she made sure her son, Roger, knew the business, too.

Mother and son worked side by side, and they even attended classes together in Los Angeles to learn how to make sushi, one of the most popular of all Japanese foods.

For the past 18 years, Roger and his wife, Kelly, have been at the helm at Taka-O, which was named after a mountain in Japan. They have expanded the restaurant several times, and they went from leasing to buying the building and business in the early 1990s. Twelve years ago, they took a chance and added Karaoke, the popular Japanese form of entertainment that means "empty orchestra." More than 10,000 songs are in their song library.

Today, there are seven sushi chefs at Taka-O, including Roger, to perform miracles with their skills of slicing and preparing eye-pleasing presentations at the 17-seat sushi bar, where regulars, some since the restaurant first started serving sushi 23 years ago, stop in a couple of times every week to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and the sushi, especially the No. 1 favorite, the seared albacore served with our special Tataki sauce.

There also are three chefs for the dining room, where the most popular item is chicken teriyaki. The menu features a variety of teriyaki dishes, as well as tempura, tonkatsu, sukiyaki, sesame chicken, yakisoba and a sashimi dinner plate. And, the appetizer list includes items such as gyoza, egg rolls, chicken yakitori, green mussels, California rolls, tofu and sashimi.

"Everything is fresh, and we even make our own sauces," said Roger, adding that he also offers a lot of specials. "And, our customers get lots of food for the money."

Although many of Taka-O's customers live in San Clemente, there are those who drive weekly from San Marcos in San Diego County and from Los Angeles.

Taka-O is on the Best of San Clemente list. Roger and Kelly have been named Enterpreneurs of the Year, and Roger, who has been described as "one of the most generous people around, not only with his time but also with his willingness to help others," has been honored as Citizen of the Day 2 times, especially for all his contributions to the Japanese Festival at Concordia School.

The Suganos have five children (Andrea, 21, also works in the restaurant; Nicole, 19; Ryan, 11; Allie, 8; and Cory, 2), and they sponsor sports teams, donate to local charities and are active school and PTA members.

"We believe in giving back to our community," said Roger. Taka-O Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar at 425 N. El Camino Real, is open Mon. through Sat. for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The cocktail lounge is open until 2 a.m., and Karaoke starts each night at 8. For reservations or for information about catering or private parties, call (949) 498-7111.

story featured in SC Holiday 2003

Taka-O
425 N El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
( 949) 498-7111