Rate-A-Restaurant, #45 in a series

Restaurant: Azuma

Location: 16123 S. Western Ave. (Gardena)

Type of restaurant: Japanese

They stipulated: As a popular hole-in-the-wall joint in the heart of Gardena's large community of Japanese stores and restaurants, expect a long wait on a weekend.

What we ordered: Chicken Teriyaki and tempura (Mike); Black cod plate (Maria)

High point: We headed down to Gardena (Take the 110 south, Redondo Beach exit. You know the exit -- it's the one you take to go to the Hustler Casino. Not that you know about that.) for Anthony's birthday. He and Candice (the couple who got married last February in Manila) frequented Azuma back when they were dating and Anthony was living in Gardena. It's a pretty authentic place -- most of the patrons appear to be from Japan, which tells you the food's gotta be all right. The plates are huge, so you won't leave hungry.

Low point: The waiter warned us not to order tempura -- with the restaurant packed, he said it would take awhile. I ordered it anyway. Mistake. While every one else had their grinds, I had to wait. And wait. Apparently they have just one deep fryer.

Overall impression: Not bad. But not worth the drive all the way to Gardena, unless you're meeting people. Perfect midway point if you're dining with Long Beachians. Otherwise, might I suggest Mishima on 3rd and La Cienega.

Chance we will go back: Again, only if we're meeting up with The Uys of Long Beach (or we somehow, mysteriously, end up gambling at the Hustler Casino). Otherwise, we'll be kickin' it Japanese style a little closer to home.

For a complete archive of our Rate-A-Restaurant reviews, check out our companion ratearestaurant.blogspot.com website.