ROKA AKOR to Open in San Francisco’s Jackson Square Neighborhood in June 2013

Modern Japanese Restaurant to Offer Robata Cuisine, Seasonal Sushi, And ROKA BAR Featuring Handcrafted Cocktails, Whiskey, Super-Premium Sake, House-Infused Shochu and An Extensive Wine List
SAN FRANCISCO (April 11, 2013) – ROKA AKOR, a stylish prime steak, seafood and sushi restaurant that specializes in Robata “open charcoal” cuisine, has announced plans to open in San Francisco’s Jackson Square district in June 2013. The sophisticated, contemporary 8,681-square-foot space, anchored by the restaurant’s centrally placed, signature robata grill, will open under the direction of Executive Chef Roman Petry. An industry veteran with more than 13 years of experience in international kitchens, including at several of the world’s most renowned Japanese restaurants, Chef Roman has been involved with the project since its inception, from design to menu creation.
The stylish and trendy ROKA BAR, under the direction of bar manager Daniel Hyatt, will feature artistic cocktails, signature house-infused shochu, super premium sake, an extensive wine list, and an international whiskey selection to complement the robata-driven bar menu, which will be offered throughout the evening and for late night diners. One of the Bay Area’s leading bar minds, Hyatt most recently helped establish The Alembic Bar as a go-to destination for anyone interested in cocktails or spirits.
Located at 801 Montgomery St., the 118-seat restaurant’s most striking feature is its centrally- located robata grill, encircled by a shou-sugi-ban counter, offset by natural poplar from Sonoma, providing seating for up to 10 guests who will enjoy a front-row view of the action. Downstairs, the underground ROKA BAR is anchored by an L-shaped, 17-seat island bar in a sleek, contemporary space that offers comfortable seating for up to 68 people. Ideal for an evening of elegant lounging, the ROKA Bar is designed to be a see-and-be seen nightlife destination for the financial district crowd, visitors and industry locals.
‘“Roka’ means ‘gathering place around fire,’ and ROKA AKOR will invite San Franciscans and guests of the city to come in for an extraordinary dining experience, centered by world-class Robata dishes, fresh sushi and sashimi, and meticulous service,” said Executive Chef Roman Petry, whose international Japanese culinary experience includes Zuma in London, Zuma in Hong Kong, Roka Akor in Scottsdale, and Hachibei in Tokyo. “A reflection of local farmers and distillers, the menu will feature locally-sourced ingredients with a minimalistic approach to preparation. ROKA AKOR will pay homage to Japanese flavors and traditions, utilizing the fresh seasonal ingredients available in the Bay Area.”
ROKA AKOR will serve modern Japanese Robata cuisine, an open charcoal grill cuisine featuring prime cuts of steaks, seafood, and vegetables with unique Japanese-inspired marinades and sauces, along with sushi, sashimi, tempura, and extraordinary desserts. Served family style, dishes will be served as soon as they are ready and are meant to be shared. Signature robata dishes will include Lamb Cutlets with Korean Spices; Yuzu Miso Marinated Black Cod wrapped in Japanese Agnolia Leaf; and Robata Grilled Kurobuta Pork Belly with Marinated Golden Beets; classic cold dishes include a Deluxe Sashimi Platter with a chef-inspired presentation incorporating a variety of fresh sashimi and shellfish; and Butterfish Tataki with White Asparagus and Yuzu.
ROKA AKOR’s fare will be accompanied by an expansive cocktail program, curated by Hyatt.
House-infused shochu featuring locally sourced materials such as huckleberries and candy cap mushrooms will be among the bar’s offerings along with an eclectic and provocative selection of spirits. An extensive whiskey list, representing a world-class selection, will include a cool mix of local flavor, small bottlings, and Japanese selections. Inventive beer and sake lists will be designed to lend themselves to the cuisine. In addition, an extensive wine list will feature domestic and imported selections from both prominent and boutique producers, designed to complement the cuisine.
Envisioned by the award-winning San Francisco-based design firm Arcanum Architecture, working in close collaboration with Chef Roman and showcasing Bay Area artisans, ROKA AKOR San Francisco will feature a modern interior with elements of concrete, glass, and locally-sourced light-colored wood in the dining room. Anchored by the illuminated burnt wood at the top of the robata grill, the space will be indirectly lit in slowly-changing amber, red and yellow tones to mirror the fire. The underground ROKA BAR will have elements of dark claro walnut wood from Sonoma, Plaster featuring rice husks and steel with indirect mood lightening to reflect the space’s sleek, sophisticated aura. The central island bar will be decorated with a working display of house infused shochu, whiskey, and a large ice block. Perfect for guests looking for a lively, sophisticated ambience, the trendy ROKA BAR will capture the energy of the modern city, yet retain a timeless feel.
ROKA AKOR will initially be open Sunday to Thursday from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; and 5:30p.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The ROKA BAR will feature late night dining, offering a special menu created by Chef Roman. The main entrance of the restaurant will be located at 801 Montgomery St., at the corner of Jackson St., in the heart of Jackson Square. Valet parking will be offered. For more information visit rokaakor.com/locations/san-francisco.
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Press Contacts: Jenna Hudson, Morgan Moore, Brianna Denn or Olivia Taussig at Glodow Nead Communications, 415-394-6500 or jenna@glodownead.com.