It looks like East Valley sushi geeks will be getting a little gift after the New Year -- Otaku Sushi, a restaurant that's currently under construction at 2430 S. Gilbert Rd. in Chandler. The restaurant's name translates to "geek" or "hardcore fan" in modern Japanese slang and was chosen because the chefs are seriously obsessed with sushi. We know the feeling!
Look for fresh sashimi including sea bass, unagi and squid, plus beef tartare, chicken katsu and a shrimp tempura udon soup that sounds delicious. The maki (roll) selection looks interesting, with unusual combinations like the Kim Bop with rib-eye, cucumber, tamago and pickled daikon and a Love of Salmon roll with Asian pear, mango and asparagus topped with salmon and avocado.
Otaku will also offer an omakase (chef's choice) menu after 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Chef-owner Jay Chung worked his way up the culinary ladder at restaurants in Beverly Hills until he scored an executive chef position at a sushi bar in Marina del Ray. He plans to host individualized, one-on-one Otaku Academy classes at the restaurant, where guests can taste new dishes and learn how to properly prepare sushi.
Otaku is currently expected to open in mid-January. Look for construction updates and additional info at otakusushi.com.
