Sushi Roku, who had one of the most popular booths at the recent Newport Beach Film Festival’s Opening Night Gala, has announced that they will be opening their first Orange County location on June 1st. Sushi Roku’s newest location will be located at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.
Sushi Roku is noted for their contemporary, creative sushi that combines traditional Japanese cuisine, global flavor and fresh seasonal ingredients from California. Fresh fish for their dishes is flown in from all over the world to make their sushi a mouthwatering experience. They also have a full bar with certified mixologists as well as certified sake sommeliers that will create or suggest the perfect beverage to go along with their cuisine.
The Newport Beach Fashion Island restaurant will be Sushi Roku’s 6th location. They currently are located in Santa Monica, Pasadena and Hollywood. Outside of California, they have locations in Scottsdale, Arizona and Las Vegas. “We’ve been looking forward to making our debut into Orange County’s vibrant dining scene for quite some time,” said Lee Maen, Partner at Innovative Dining Group, the parent company for Sushi Roku. “We are excited to share our modern approach to Japanese cuisine as well as Roku’s outstanding level of hospitality at this stunning location in Fashion Island”.
Sushi Roku of course has sushi at the heart of their menu, but their entrees and appetizers are also notable for their creativity and traditional flavors. All proteins are grilled over Japanese Bincho Charcoal, a Japanese oak that grills quickly with exquisite flavor. Filet Mignon with Ginger Sauce, Ji-dori Free Range Chicken and Grilled Salmon with Roku BBQ Sauce are just a few items on the menu. In addition to a selection of soups, noodles and rice, Sushi Roku’s Fashion Island location will see the addition of a Katana Robata section on the menu, with the options of five skewers – Filet Foie, Kobe Black Pepper, Shrimp Bacon, Sea Bass, and Chicken.
At the heart of the Sushi Roku menu is fresh seafood, hand-selected at the fish market every morning. The seafood is featured in the restaurant’s sashimi and nigiri sushi offerings, which include more than two dozen fish with traditional favorites such as fresh toro, uni, and hamachi. The restaurant also features a selection of signature rolls, ranging from Crunchy Spicy Tuna with avocado and Baked Lobster in creamy miso sauce, to a more intricate Katana Roll with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura topped with tuna and yellowtail. Sushi Roku’s fresh fish can also be enjoyed in a selection of hand and cut rolls.
Sushi Roku’s Executive Chef, Hiroshi Shima, has appointed Chef Shin Toyoda as Head Chef of the Fashion Island. Chef Shin, a native of Japan who did his sushi training in Tokyo and since 1998 has been at the Hollywood location, will oversee the kitchen, working with traditional Japanese fresh fish and ingredients while incorporating local olive oils, caviar and chili peppers along with his sashimi and nigiri sushi dishes. Eiji Mori will be Executive Manager and Sake Sommelier for Newport Beach, specializing in craft sakes with complex flavors and aromas.
The interior at Sushi Roku in Fashion Island will be very inviting, featuring a sushi bar, a dining room, patio dining and a comfortable bar. Elements such as a bamboo forest-inspired wall, a 20-foot hand-painted Japanese glass screen and a custom, organic lit sculpture. The interior will be done with an understated elegance and will highlight natural elements.
Sushi Roku Fashion Island will be located at 327 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach (adjacent to Macy’s, across from True Food Kitchen). For more information about Sushi Roku’s menu and other locations, visit www.sushiroku.com.
