Restaurateur Stephen Starr announces the opening of Makoto in the world famous Bal Harbour Shops on March 29, 2011. The eponymous
restaurant will boast the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Makoto Okuwa. Joining a renowned collection of restaurants including internationally acclaimed Buddakan and trendsetting Morimoto, Makoto will feature a chic, modern design and showcase the elegant and masterful flavors of Japanese cuisine.
Makoto will honor the Japanese culinary philosophy of using the freshest and finest ingredients, while also melding bold flavor combinations with modern influences. Guests will be treated to a unique and varied dining experience with choices such as Foie Gras Gyoza with Yuzu Marmalade; Steamed Black Edamame with Sea Salt and Spicy Garlic; Chicken Tskune Meatball with Sansho pepper and Quail Egg and Frosty Kobe Fried Rice with Foie Gras, Chichi and Jidori Egg.
Complementing Makoto’s thoughtful cuisine is a carefully curated beverage program featuring sakes, food-driven wines, Asian beers and
cocktails influenced by Japanese flavors and classic techniques. Chef Makoto brings more than 20 years of experience to this new and exciting venture. After 10 years of training in Japan, Makoto moved to Washington, D.C. to work at acclaimed Sushi Taro, where he met the Japanese Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Makoto was hired as Executive Sushi Chef at Morimoto New York and Philadelphia and regularly appeared with Morimoto competing on the television program the “Iron Chef”.
Influenced by their couture neighbors, the stylish and sleek design of Makoto is created by the celebrated French design team of Gilles
& Boissier—the artistic forces behind Starr’s Buddakan in New York City and Steak 954 in Ft. Lauderdale, as well as the venerated Hakkasan restaurants in Miami, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. Bathed in earth tones, natural elements and accented by an original hand-painted mural, Makoto creates an environment which is chic, yet comfortable. The welcoming vibe will make the restaurant a perfect dining destination for either a simple, relaxing meal during an afternoon of shopping or a luxurious evening out with friends.
Makato’s focal point is the 12-seat sushi bar behind which an opaque glass-enclosed kitchen allows for silhouetted views of chefs at work.
Additionally, there is ample seating for al fresco dining on the restaurant’s terrace, and seating for 20 in the bar and lounge area located in the shops’ courtyard.
Makoto is located in the Bal Harbour Shops at 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, Fla. The restaurant is open 11:30AM – 11PM, Sunday to
Thursday; 11:30AM –Midnight, Friday and Saturday. Phone: 305-864-8600; http://makotorestaurant.com.
