ASHEVILLE – Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse is coming together at 121 Biltmore Ave., the former Futo Buta Ramen space near the Orange Peel. The restaurant is slated to open in summer.
Ukiah’s ownership described the forthcoming menu as “inspired by the simplicity of Japanese soul food, with influences from American barbecue.”
Ramen will reappear on that corner for the first time since Futo Buta closed, along with house-made gyozas and lighter vegetable dishes. There will be a raw bar and, on the other end of the spectrum, an array of smoked meat, such as pork belly served with a Fuji apple glaze and apple chow chow.
The restaurant will have an extensive sake list, cocktails and a boutique Japanese whisky collection. Ukiah will be open for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and late-night service.
The restaurant is looking for staff, with living wage guaranteed. Apply at www.ukiahrestaurant.com or at an onsite job fair May 24-25, noon-4 p.m. There will be music and food for both humans and their dogs at the hiring event, a spokesperson for the restaurant promised.
