Sushi Gaku Opens in Georgetown
Esteemed Japanese chef now in Georgetown.
In the space formerly occupied by Donahue Cocktail Lounge and Smithpoint, Sushi Chef Yoshi Ota and his wife Yoko welcomed guests Monday evening to sample the menu at Georgetown's latest sushi restaurant.
Officially opening May 21, Sushi Gaku is located at 1338 Wisconsin Avenue NW.
"I am so honored to join this historical area in Washington and am excited to introduce my sushi dishes, which I have dedicated my life to cooking for 40 years,” says Chef Yoshi. "I am planning to serve traditional sushi as well as a different style that our guests have never seen before.”
One signature dish will be traditional style nigiri sushi. This edo style nigiri sushi is prepared with akazu (dark vinegar), sushi rice, and perfectly balanced fish pieces. Chef Yoshi will also serve regular nigiri with white sushi rice, as well as maki and other casual Japanese dishes. He is one of few chefs in the area to hold a fugu or pufferfish preparation license.
Born in Hokkaido Japan, Chef Yoshi began his culinary career at the prestigious ANA International Tokyo restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. For the past 40 years, he has practiced the art of sushi making in the United States and Japan, including at New York's legendary Sushi Den. While still in his early 30s, he opened his own restaurant, Ginza Gakyu in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo.
He was one of the founders of Kushi Izakaya & Sushi in downtown DC and was the head sushi chef and sake sommelier at Sushiko in Chevy Chase, MD. His restaurant debut began with Yuzu in Bethesda, MD, then Sushi Gakyu a block from the White House, and now, Sushi Gaku in Georgetown.
