Right now, passersby see only bare concrete walls, ladders and construction debris through the two walls of windows in a new building along Cherry St. SE. But over the next weeks,
Maru Sushi & Grill will come into being as millwork, furniture, paint and a kitchen take shape inside.
The restaurant, owned by Robert Song, who also owns an Okemos restaurant by the same name, should be open by late August or early September, bringing the area an authentic Japanese steakhouse experience with a twist.
"We're known for sushi, but we're not a sushi restaurant," Song says. "I have Japanese steakhouse chef experience of ten years, so we'll offer grilled steak, chicken and seafood, plus salads and soups. In Okemos, the grill part of it became so popular we had to change up to larger equipment."
Song's wife, Kelly Hong, an MSU interior design educator, is designing the interior to create an atmosphere to complement cuisine that's deeply rooted in "the traditional belief that the goodness of the ingredients makes the food," Song says. "However, we always give it a different interpretation of what it could and should be in this day and age. I have a traditional background in Sushi, my executive chef doesn't, so we're a good mix."
Maru will be open for lunch and dinner, with inside seating for 85 and outside seating for 20. The restaurant and patio area nestle neatly beside
Brewery Vivant, and will offer patrons a full bar.
Source: Robert Song, Maru Sushi & Grill
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
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