Japanese Kitchen Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

 The Japanese Kitchen in Uptown has added a new treat to its menu. Now, diners can enjoy a private dining area, a custom-made five, six or eight course creation by an authentic Japanese chef and personalized service with a visit from the chef,  all part of the new Omakase formal cuisine.

The Omakase is only one choice on the menu at the Japanese Kitchen, but it is by far the most delectable experience.  Japanese Kitchen is divided into two different restaurants -- the Steakhouse and the Sushi Bar.

The original, the Japanese Kitchen Steakhouse, has experienced Teppan chefs that  prepare meals at the table with a lively show of fire and juggling included in the meal preparation. Teppan meals range in price from $11.95 for Oriental Vegetable and Fried Rice to $19.95 for Filet Mignon Teriyaki. Child-size portions or menu items also are available at lower prices.

The Japanese Kitchen Sushi Bar is a more recent addition to the experience and is located across the courtyard from the steakhouse. The sushi bar serves more authentic Japanese cuisine including, of course, sushi. Dinners in the sushi bar range from $10.95 for Vegetable Tempura to $20.95 for a combination plate with California roll, tempura, NY steak, yakitori, egg roll, grilled salmon and fruits. Sushi rolls are $4.50 for tuna or unagi up to $17 for a super lobster roll.  The personalized Omakase is $30 for a five-course meal, $40 for a six-course meal, and $50 for a eight course meal per person.

Keiko Bunts and her husband bought the Japanese Kitchen Steakhouse 20 years ago when  she moved here from Japan to be with her husband who was retiring from the military. Keiko Bunts said that while she loves the Teppan grill that has made the steakhouse known in Albuquerque, it is a more Americanized version of Japanese food. The sushi restaurant, she said, is more authentic Japanese style cooking.

"That was my dream," Keiko said, "To try to make a traditional Japanese restaurant."

As part of that dream, Keiko Bunts recently introduced the Omakase Formal Cuisine to the Sushi Bar menu. Omakase means that the chef decides the menu. Customers are encouraged to call a week in advance to talk to the chef about their group’s particular likes, dislikes and allergies. Then, the chef will prepare a special meal specifically for  them that highlights the best food the season has to offer.

As part of the Omakase meal, the chef will prepare meals that are not normally found on the menu, such as lobster salad, or seafood miso with clams. Another delectable example was smoked salmon wrapped in daikon radish, where the smoky-salty taste of the salmon complemented the pickled taste of the radish for an experience that will not soon be forgotten. For one recent diner, the crown jewel of the meal was the fatty tuna nigiri sushi.

"You don't get much better than this," said diner Rhett Skelton.

HelloMetro Tip: Call one week in advance for Omakase so the chef can order special ingredients.

- by Julie Medina, Albuquerque Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Julie Medina

Julie Medina has experience as a reporter at the Albuquerque Journal and has written freelance articles for the Albuquerque Tribune, Albuquerque the Magazine, New Mexico Magazine and New Mexico Kids Magazine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in print journalism from the University of New Mexico in 2008. She has lived in Albuquerque since 1984 and believes it is best to remember to play like a tourist in your own hometown so you don't forget the vast culture around you.