Seigo Nakamura, CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada opens second restaurant in Vancouver
Aburi Restaurants Canada is pleased to announce the opening of its second Vancouver establishment, Minami Restaurant, on June 5, 2012 at 1118 Mainland Street in Yaletown. This is the sister project to Miku Restaurant, located in Coal Harbour, which opened in 2008.
“I am thrilled to unveil my vision for Minami to the Vancouver community,” explains Seigo Nakamura, CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada. While still playing an active role operating eight restaurants with his Japan-based company, Tora Corporation, Seigo is now focusing on North American expansion. “It is my goal to create an environment that is truly unique, combining the beauty of Japanese culinary flavours and textures, with the creative arts and quality service.”
Minami, written in Japanese kanji characters means ‘a beautiful wave,’ and is also the name of Seigo’s youngest daughter. Miku, his other Vancouver restaurant, was named after his eldest daughter.
Spanning over 8000 square feet of floor space, Minami will be a dynamic space for dining and entertaining, which will include two private dining rooms, a seated lounge, a hidden sun-filled patio and a custom-built sushi bar.
Award-winning design and architect firm, OMB, has transformed the space into a modern dining environment with influences of Japanese aesthetics. Project led by principal, Michelle Biggar, design elements are a creative interpretation of Minami’s meaning, and has been built using local and sustainable materials. As an addition, guests can expect to see stunning, vibrant murals covering feature walls by internationally renowned mural painter from Kyoto, Japan, Hideki Kimura.
The menu will offer signature favorites of the Aburi Restaurant brand, such as the Aburi Salmon Oshi Sushi and Chicken Nanban, along with innovative and contemporary Japanese cuisine exclusive to Minami. Seasonal and regional ingredients, as well as Ocean Wise seafood options are integrated into the dishes to reflect the diversity of responsible food choices. An essential element of the dining experience will be heightened by the chef’s Zekkei style of plating – a Japanese term literally translated to ‘a superb view,’ by incorporating specialty porcelain plate ware called Arita Yaki. Each piece has been handpicked by Seigo, and custom-designed by the pottery artisans of the Arita region in Japan.
The Minami bar will feature an extensive sake list, wine menu, and cocktail program designed by the highly-acclaimed 2010 Vancouver Magazine’s ‘Bartender of the Year,’ Shaun Layton.
The full website for Minami Restaurant will launch on June 15, 2012. For live updates, please follow our Twitter feed and find us on Facebook.
About Aburi Restaurants Canada
At the age of 25, CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada, Seigo Nakamura became president of his father’s business, Tora Corporation. With industry passion in his bloodline, Seigo always knew international expansion was a must. Upon his first visit to Vancouver in 2007, he immediately envisioned revolutionizing the sushi scene by introducing Aburi sushi to one of the world’s most competitive sushi markets. In 2008, Miku Restaurant was born and the Vancouver community welcomed and embraced Seigo’s signature Aburi style cuisine. Adopting ‘ningenmi’ as the corporate philosophy, the term encompasses the belief that success can only be achieved when it is built upon the passion and pride from each individual embracing ningenmi at heart. With Minami Restaurant opening in June, Seigo will be continuing on expanding and building the Aburi brand across Canada.
