Imperia to Add Full-Service Sushi Bar

Imperia

Imperia, one of my favorite modern-Asian restaurants and the newest member of our Top 20, will add Sushi to its already innovative and delectable menu offerings.

Chef Tatsu Aikawa joins Executive Chef Joe Tellus to make a powerful combination in downtown dining. Chef Tatsu, born in Tokyo, has years of experience including stints in Tokyo at “Kikuzushi” and most importantly, five years working with the master “Smokey” at Musashino Dokoro below Chinatown on Mopac. (Musashino is one of my top two favorites for Sushi in central Texas.)

Chef Tatsu has a rare opportunity: starting a Sushi bar at Imperia is the culinary equivalent of being given an unfinished painting by Jackson Pollack and being asked to complete it. The stakes are high but the opportunity is extraordinary!

And as Tyson Cole of Uchi discovered, Takehiko-san Fuse (Smokey) of Musashino is one hell of a tutor. I look for big things from Chef Tatsu!