By Gail Bensinger
An as-yet-unnamed Japanese sushi bar and restaurant will be the new tenant in the space on Chenery Street vacated by Sel & Vin wine bar.
The owners are Ken Lui, Kenny Zhu and Raymond Ho, who already operate two popular sushi and sake places – Tataki at California at Divisadero, and Tataki South, on Church Street near Day. (Check them out at www.tatakisushibar.com.)
According to Lui, the trio are hoping for a December opening. They still are debating what to call the new enterprise, and exactly what kind of menu they will offer in addition to the sushi bar –other types of small plates or full entrees are being considered. But the food will definitely be Japanese, and they are committed to using sustainable fish for the sushi, plus organic meat and produce. Beer, wine and sake will be available.
They plan to remodel, with an emphasis on wood and bamboo. It probably will be open every night for dinner, at least at the start, and Liu said there would be a half-dozen or so new employees.
Before signing a lease, Liu said they did research on the neighborhood, and liked the village atmosphere. “We loved the vibe, we loved the environment,” he said.