Modern Japanese Fare Landing in Your Bowl January 2016
Offering inspired, modern takes on traditional ramen, gyoza and izakaya Japanese dishes, Ichimi will open to the public in Coral Gables on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 4PM. Ichimi – Japanese for “dedicated to” – will feature an affordable, diverse menu showcasing Old World and modern cooking techniques, at once deeply rooted in the classics while forward-looking and, above all else, undeniably flavorful and crave-worthy.
Helmed by Executive Chef Constantine De Lucia, formerly of Momi Ramen, Lure Fishbar and Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis, Ichimi will blend bold Asian flavors with handpicked fresh herbs and micro greens. An Italian-born chef with a background in classical French cuisine, De Lucia was always drawn to the flavors of the East early in his career and felt Miami needed to experience the iconic street food. Backed by first time restaurateur Peihao ‘Peter’ Xu, De Lucia will honor traditional Asian cooking methods but leave room for inspired touches sure to delight and surprise.
With the help of one of the region’s only authentic noodle-making machines (imported from Japan), Ichimi will showcase ramen three ways – a traditional presentation of ramen submerged in various broths; Tsukemen, or dipping style, with hot broths served with a side of cold ramen for dipping; and cold ramen with a salad-like execution. Traditional ramen offerings will include Tonkotsu– pork belly, hanjuku egg, bamboo shoots, takana and bean sprouts; Seafood – clams, shrimp, garlic confit, lemongrass, micro radish, pea tendrils and scallion; and Veggie – shōyu (soy sauce), Shiitake and Nameko mushrooms, mung bean, scallions, bamboo shoots and red pepper. Tsukemen offerings will range from Lobster Broth – fresh Maine lobster, scallions, pea tendrils, micro carrot greens and micro bok choy; Shrooooms – Red Miso, sautéed mushrooms, micro radish, scallions, bean sprouts and dehydrated red pepper; and Chef’s Italian twist with Carbonara – creamed egg, diced pork belly, shallots, garlic confit, scallions and micro broccoli. Last but not least, cold ramen dishes will also grace the menu, such as Mushroom Ramen Salad – tsuyu, sautéed Shiitake mushrooms, seasonal vegetables and scallions; Avocado – crab, avocado, sesame oil, tomatoes, red onion, garlic and micro mizuna; and Tonkatsu Demi – scallions and sesame oil, where guest can choose to add shrimp, beef, pork belly or vegetables.
Perfect for pairing with sake, beer or wine, Izakaya (small dishes) options will run the gamut from Scallion Pancake – yuzu crème fraîche, sesame caviar and micro radish; Mantis Shrimp – fermented chilli, garlic confit, scallions and pea tendrils; Fried Rabbit – panko crusted rabbit, tonkatsu demi foam, watermelon radish and micro carrot greens; Bone Marrow – pan seared and panko crusted bone marrow, sautéed Shiitake mushrooms, soy glaze and micro mizuna; Crispy Pig Ear – soy ginger foam, sesame pearls and micro radish; and Tripe – spicy beef, tripe, sous vide garlic, chilli powder, scallions and micro cilantro. Buns and Riceround out the menu and feature Pork Belly buns with soy, honey, takana and scallions; Fried Oyster buns with scallion pesto and yuzu pepper aioli; and an Asian twist on Risotto with tonkotsu, bonito, and Shiitake and Nameko mushrooms. Traditional gyoza(dumplings) will make an appearance on Ichimi’s menu in beef, seafood, pork and vegetable variations. Average lunch check will be $15 per person, with dinner at $25.
Ichimi’s first location at 2330 Salzedo Street in Coral Gables will cater to the area’s laid back clientele. The industrial-style 2,000 square foot space will seat 60, with an additional six seats for guests wishing to dine al fresco. Ichimi Coral Gables will also feature a beer and sake room, situated behind a glass wall providing a peek at the exceptional noodle-making machine that can crank out 200 orders per hour. Local artist Krave Art will be injecting color inside the space with a commissioned mural.
Ichimi Coral Gables will open to the public on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 4PM. Regular lunch and dinner hours will resume onSaturday, January 30, 2016.
A second Ichimi location is slated to open in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood Spring 2016.
Ichimi Coral Gables is located at 2330 Salzedo Street in Coral Gables. The restaurant will be open for lunch weekly from11:30AM to 4PM. Dinner will be served Monday and Tuesday, 6PM to Midnight; Wednesday and Thursday, 6PM to 1AM; Friday and Saturday, 6PM to 2AM; Sunday, 6PM to 11:30PM. Telephone: (305)960-7016.
