Whoever first came up with the whole “Happy Meal” concept is surely the world's most evil genius, so brilliantly and pointedly does it speak to the dirty (as in: crumbs on the floor, spilt milk on the table, and ketchup on that brand new Crewcuts dress) truth about taking children to restaurants. Which is, of course, that it tends to be a pretty unhappy endeavor.

And don't even get us started on the cryogenic-like preservatives the damn things contain.

Which is why our family nights out often land us at Hide Sushi. No, it's not the finest fish on Sawtelle. But the avocado rolls fly out of the kitchen fast. For adults, the raw sushi and sashimi are perfectly solid. And afterwards, it's only a three minute walk over to Beard Papa's for cream puffs or Volcano Tea for dessert-sweet Boba drinks.

Toy not included. But with Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle & Outlet stocking all your Sanrio, Miyazaki, and Mario Brothers needs just one door over from Volcano Tea, you can feel free to buy your own.

Hide Sushi: 2040 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles; 310-477-7242. Beard Papa's: 2130 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles; 310-479-6665. Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle & Outlet: 2109 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles; 310-914-5320.

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