Umu - Born of Perfection (Venues)
Umu's
Mayfair location, in Bruton Place, takes diners a world away from
bustling shoppers to Japanese dining that’s fast being acknowledged as
London’s best.
When GQ
magazine needed somewhere sufficiently GQ to entertain guests such as
Tracey Emin, David Bailey and Peter York for its Christmas bash, Umu
became its festive host.
Presciently
awarded a Michelin star only five months after opening, Umu (“born of
nature”) is London’s first Kyoto restaurant and it offers both a
classic and a modern interpretation of Kyoto food.
Umu’s
success has been propelled by executive chef Ichiro Kubota who
perfected his craft in some of Kyoto’s most renowned restaurants.
Tsuruya restaurant heads this list and has famously entertained the
Japanese Imperial family.
Kubota’s
culinary precision strikes the balance needed to preserve the delicate
flavours associated with Kyoto food. “For me, true Kyoto cuisine is
without compromise on technique,” says Kubota. “I follow the basic
rules at every turning point, reminding myself of the methods that I
learnt from my master and father.” 
His
menu features a selection of Kyoto cuisine: tsukuri, known as sashimi
and a variety of sushi and Kaiseki, a traditional tasting menu which
includes vegetarian dishes that derive from the Zen Buddhism-style
method of cooking in China.
Wild
fish is flown directly from the Pacific, Atlantic and the Mediterranean
while indigenous Japanese vegetables such as red carrots are flown
in directly from Japanese suppliers. There is also an à la carte menu allowing guests to select the dishes of their choice.
The perfectionist attention to
detail also extends to Umu’s architecture and design thanks to
award-winning designer Tony Chi of “tonychi and associates.” The New
York-based venue designer aligned the architecture, interior design,
graphics and furnishings to bring opulent Kyoto style to the diners.
Implementing
architects SHH, of The Greenhouse and Aura fame, have worked closely
with Tony Chi to create his Japanese vision. The restaurant’s ceiling
feature comprises individually crafted pieces of Murano glass
fabricated in Italy and shaped in New York. The precision detail even
encompasses the Japanese flower displays, in tribute to a highly
respected historical art form.
Umu
is the third establishment to be opened by MARC (Marlon Abela
Restaurant Corporation) in London, after The Greenhouse and Morton’s,
both of which re-opened after extensive refurbishment in spring 2004.
The portfolio also includes Gaia in Greenwich, Connecticut, A Voce in
Manhattan and MARC Fine Wines, the group’s independent fine wine
merchant.
Private dining is available on
the Sake Table away from the main restaurant. It can accommodate
parties of up to twelve and guests can create bespoke menus with a
choice of Japanese à la carte or the traditional Kaiseki menus.
Venue Vitals ___________________________
Capacity
Number of Seats: 60
38 restaurant seats, 12 at Chef’s table, 10 at tasting table
Wine list
Over 700 bins, including four wines from the Japanese Château Mercian Estate.
Largest sake list in Europe with quality to match
Head sommelier - Kumiko Tamba, she is Kikisake-Shi qualified and classically-trained.
Sake
variety includes Kyoto Prefecture, Momonoshizuku, Junmai Ginjo made by
Matsumoto Shuzo at £42; Kochi Prefecture, Tempyo Daiginjo made by
Tosatsuru Shuzo at £85; oldest Koshu Junmai (aged sake) in Europe from
Toyama Prefecture made by Kidoizumi Shuzo at £1,800.
The bill
Average price lunch £40.00 per head
Average price dinner £70.00 per head
The team
General Manager: Mika Hori
Executive Chef: Ichiro Kubota
Head Sommelier: Kumiko Tamba
The location
14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1J 6LX
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7499 8881
RK
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