Yamashiro Garden Market in Full Bloom

Ian and CC at the Yamashiro Garden Market.

If you haven't visited the Yamashiro Restaurant Garden Market, think about visiting on Thursday, its regular night.

For a relaxing and inexpensive evening out with the fam -- kids included, thanks to Twinkles the Clown (below) -- nothing beats sampling fresh strawberries and yummy crepes while looking out over Hollywood and beyond.

The Cal-Asian restaurant sits in the Hollywood Hills just above the Magic Castle and hosts the outdoor market every Thursday from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Before last week, when we visited the market, we had only caught occasional glances of the hilltop eatery while driving along Franklin Avenue.

It was truly amazing watching the sun set while CC and other children played with the affable Twinkles. She made balloon animals for the kids and even offered face painting. CC was happy to get a flower on her cheek.

Baskets of delicious strawberries sold for $2.50, while raw oysters went for $2 each. There was an espresso tent as well as cobbler offerings and other baked goods. That's in addition to the wine tasting that was also available.

While Ian opted for the baked cod taco ($6), I gravitated toward the currywurst ($5) from Best of the Wurst. (Not only do I love currywurst, which I introduced to Ian, but I'm always up for practicing my German with native speakers.)

It was a lovely night, complete with live music, and I'd happily visit again. And when the kiddo can be entertained as well? Well, cheers to that!

Yamashiro Restaurant
1999 N. Sycamore Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90068
Valet parking: $2 with garden market validation