Mikuni Blog

POST DATE: February 28, 2007

No one knows this better than the sushi chefs at Mikuni. With five Japanese restaurants and sushi bars throughout the Sacramento region, they are well-versed in the fine art of satisfying diners who clamor for this delicacy. Says Mikuni co-owner and master chef Kotaro (Taro) Arai, “While many Japanese restaurants receive their fish once a… Read more

POST DATE: April 19, 2006

Bob Sylva, Bee Staff Writer On a recent Sunday morning, the sky radiant, the clouds tasty little puffs of rice, Taro Arai, the city’s sushi impresario, Mikuni’s clown prince, a man who believes in the gospel of fun, is going to church. The First Japanese Baptist Church is at 2900 29th Ave. Its Japanese-language pastor… Read more

POST DATE: February 26, 2006

By Mike Dunne, Bee Restaurant Critic Laboratories generally are stripped-down spaces where experiments are carried out with precision and patience, and with as little distraction as possible. At Taro’s, however, guests quickly forget that they’re guinea pigs in a lab where the culinary world’s equivalent of the mad scientist is verifying his latest theories on… Read more

POST DATE: November 22, 2005

All they need do is ask Kotaro “Taro” Arai to prepare the $200 “Ferrari jewel bako,” a style of sushi made with Russian beluga caviar and Kobe-style beef dusted with gold flakes. “Bako” refers to the boxy shape of the sushi. On a budget? Then there’s the “Beverly Hills jewel bako,” identical to the “Ferrari”… Read more

POST DATE: October 26, 2005

With five locations in the Sacramento area and many first place awards for Best Japanese and Best Sushi, Mikuni brings its renowned Japanese cuisine and fresh sushi creations to the Village at Northstar. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with its full bar open until… Read more

POST DATE: October 9, 2005

Not only are sushi bars opening in virtually every neighborhood, but sushi chefs are working in supermarkets, at sporting venues and for catered soirees. Sushi isn’t cheap, though an artful, varied and filling selection can be assembled for a fairly modest price if a diner shows restraint – not always easy, given the tempting diversity… Read more

POST DATE: June 5, 2005

And everything encompasses quite a lot: the fish and its handling; the rice and its preparation; the quality of the nori (seaweed), the wasabi (a hot, horseradish-like accompaniment), and the murasaki (a special soy sauce for sushi); the harmony between the food and the dishes it’s served on; the decor and ambiance of the dining… Read more

POST DATE:

With the help of those in the dating business, as well as local singles, we have found some heartwarming evidence that Sacramento is a prime place for romance, including specific tips on spots where the mingling is easy. We also gathered some ideas for dates that can turn up the heat. Now, don’t start throwing… Read more

POST DATE: June 3, 2005

Koki Club members also receive advance notice of all Mikuni special events. Most recently, these have included Sushiology classes, the Mikuni St. Patrick’s Day Sushi Bus excursion, and the Mikuni Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Contest. So, as a member, you’re on the leading edge of all the fun and festivities that Mikuni has to offer…. Read more

POST DATE: March 14, 2005

Sutter Cancer Center’s program is aptly called Navigator because it helps a woman with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer navigate her way through the sea of diagnostic, surgical and treatment options available to her. Guided by a Sutter registered nurse, the patient receives swift access to the knowledgeable opinions of medical, surgical and radiation… Read more

POST DATE: April 13, 2003

Under a deal with Mikuni, the fast-growing sushi chain, Sacramento Brewing developed a Japanese-style pilsner to be sold only in the firm’s restaurants. For now, the brew – called Mikuni Premium Pilsner Reserve – is available on tap. But in a week or so, it also will be sold in bottles with a special Mikuni… Read more

POST DATE: August 17, 2002

The Rev. Koki Arai is a man of infinite faith. He may be versed in Scripture, the parables of harvest, but when it came to operating a restaurant he was a lost soul, a gatherer of chaff, a fisherman pulling up empty nets. You can cite your own disaster chapter. With his small restaurant failing,… Read more