7Fusion Specializes in Hot Pot and Mongolian BBQ in Sherman Oaks

Fusion doesn’t always have positive connotations, with mishmash meals that can look and feel confusing. The menu at new 7Fusion in Sherman Oaks may raise eyebrows, but the flavors and presentations do work—particularly when it comes to two options.

“Fresh Bazaar” is the first. It is basically Mongolian BBQ, only with a flat-top grill instead of a gigantic wok. A long bar showcases raw ingredients in labeled bins over ice. Use tongs to fill bowls with assorted noodles, farmers market vegetables, sauces, spices and marinades. I opted for egg noodles with cauliflower, broccoli, salmon, beef tongue, ribeye, minced garlic, scallions, red onions, chile flakes, ground turmeric and black pepper marinade.

More adventurous eaters may appreciate 7Fusion’s selection of exotic meats, which includes venison, camel, alligator and rabbit. They weigh each bowl and charge in 3.5-ounce increments.

“Hot Pot” also holds a place of prominence. Select one of three broths: vegetable, “fresh beef bone” or “citrus lime” with a beef base, ginger and lemongrass. A bubbling tabletop cauldron cooks a choice of ingredients. Prescribed combos center on beef, mushrooms, seafood and vegetables. I opted for lobster, which comes with two lobster tails, sea scallops, shrimp, baby squid and Manila clams. Boil the ingredients to your preferred temperature. Dip your spoils in sauce or eat as is, since they’re already infused with broth.

Interactive eating is clearly the way to go, especially on a date, but 7Fusion does offer à la carte dishes and tapas for diners who prefer to sit back. Fried chicken wings slathered with passion fruit and ají pepper sauce are worth considering. So are the wok-fried rice vermicelli noodles with bean curd and shrimp. They also serve four Fresh Bazaar bowls with set ingredients, portions and prices.

Beverage Director Jamie Cooper has created a compelling cocktail menu using teas and house-infused spirits. Consider Cherri-O Fashioned, an old-fashioned variation with cherry-infused Evan Williams bourbon, orange zest and Angostura bitters.

Soccer star Edu Obasi and his wife traveled the world before settling in LA to deliver some of their favorite flavors and dishes. In case you are wondering: the 7 in 7Fusion refers to the seven continents, meaning nothing’s off-limits.

A black awning and red umbrellas shield their spacious patio. The remaining 5,000-square-foot space features an oxyx bar, dark blue cushioned booths and banquettes, and a high ceiling. As I learned, 7Fusion also teams substance with style.

14235 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-465-3177