Austin's dining scene is about to receive a fresh slice of Japan with the debut of Craft Omakase, a new venture spearheaded by three alums from the acclaimed Uchiko. Slated to open its doors on December 6, Craft Omakase is the culmination of Charlie Wang, Nguyen Nguyen, and Tim Boyer's collective years of fine-dining experience, with Wang and Nguyen previously helming the sushi station and Boyer orchestrating the front-of-house at Uchiko, according to Eater Austin. This new eatery, located at 4400 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 102, aims to revive the omakase tradition amidst Austin's burgeoning food landscape.
The founders have expressed their commitment to authenticity and a hands-on approach, seeking to directly manage every facet of the operation. “We want to focus on the craft,” Wang told Eater Austin, highlighting the drive to perfect every element of the Omakase experience. Meanwhile, Boyer said "It lit a desire in me to be able to slow down and provide our guests with a really handcrafted customized experience." as per Eater Austin's report. The team is quite literally setting up shop in the shadow of their former workplace, just blocks away, which they see as serendipitous rather than overtly strategic.
It's not the first time Uchiko alums have ventured out independently. Chef Tyson Cole, the mind behind Uchi, has previously lauded his staff, stating "Without them, I'd be nothing." As reported by the Statesman, Cole attributed the success of his restaurants to a collaborative spirit and the strong work ethic fostered among his team. Cole has seen many of his former staff forge their paths in the restaurant industry, reflecting the talent that Uchi and its group have been notable for nurturing.
Craft Omakase's founders are looking to place tradition at the heart of their 20-course meal offerings. As affirmed in an interview with Eater Austin, Wang noted the desire "We don’t want to make the food to a point where we’re losing the essence of what Japanese cuisine is." Guests can expect an intimate setting with an omakase dining room featuring 12 seats, anticipating a unique and carefully curated dining experience. The enterprise is a testament to the profound impact Uchi's culture has had on the Austin food scene, seemingly continuing to inspire former staff to boldly carry forward their learned experiences into new gastronomic adventures.
