"This elegant rendition of a martini comes from veteran bartender Kevin Lee, whose speakeasy Tokyo Noir could be the most exciting bar to open in Long Beach in years. Inspired by Japanese whiskey bars, Lee uses ice from Japan and inventive techniques to produce some of the best cocktails in LA. The Monochrome comes ice cold, mixing Ki No Bi gin, daijingo sake, and housemade vermouth blanc with the essence of piney matsutake mushrooms. A savory-sweet plum adds a colorful garnish and a briny element in a final result that was clearly inspired by martinis but blends in so much more flavor. — Matthew Kang, Eater Southern California/Southwest lead editor" - Rebecca Roland