Chef Returns to SoFlo with New Eatery in Fort Lauderdale
A New Venture in the Making
Chef Michael Lewis, known for his acclaimed hotspot KYU in Miami, is back in South Florida with a new Asian-inspired, wood-fired eatery: Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse. This time, he’s set his sights on Fort Lauderdale, where he’ll be bringing his unique blend of Japanese flavors and Texas-style barbecue to the Riverwalk.
A Sibling to KYU, but with a New Twist
Ukiah, the first Florida location of Lewis’ flagship BBQ house in Asheville, North Carolina, will specialize in low-and-slow Texas barbecue, with a focus on 12-hour brisket, pastrami short rib, half-chickens, and sausage crowned with flame-roasted kimchi and yuzu pickles. The 150-seat dining room will also feature yakiniku-style baby back ribs garnished with sesame and chopped scallions, oysters with sake mignonette, pork belly tonkotsu ramen, and crispy rock shrimp with chili butter and gorgonzola.
A Spiritual Sibling to KYU
Lewis describes Ukiah as a “spiritual sister” to KYU, an Asian-inspired, wood-fired eatery that earned Time Magazine’s “Best Restaurant in Florida” designation in 2017. While the two restaurants share similarities, Ukiah will offer a new range of dishes that Lewis was unable to fit onto the menu at KYU. “Ukiah is about all of the dishes I could just never get onto the menu at KYU, because KYU so quickly became such a thing that its dishes became classics,” Lewis explains.
A New Chapter in Fort Lauderdale
So, why return to South Florida? Lewis cites the city’s “small-town-to-midtown America feel,” which he believes is perfect for his new restaurant. He’s also planning a second Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant in Wynwood later this year. “Fort Lauderdale hasn’t gotten jaded like some of the bigger cities yet,” he notes. “Which makes it perfect for a restaurant offering barbecue plus the greatest hits of Japanese street food.”
Conclusion
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse is expected to open in spring 2025 at 221 SW First Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit UkiahRestaurant.com. With its unique blend of Japanese flavors and Texas-style barbecue, this new eatery is sure to be a hit with locals and visitors alike.
FAQs
* What is the concept of Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse?
Ukiah is an Asian-inspired, wood-fired eatery offering a range of Japanese flavors and Texas-style barbecue.
* What kind of dishes can I expect to find at Ukiah?
The menu will feature a range of shareable plates, including beech mushroom tempura, karaage chicken, pork belly, and seafood options like citrus-zested salmon and red snapper.
* Will there be a bar at Ukiah?
Yes, the central bar will offer a range of cocktails, sake, shōchū, and Japanese whisky. Brunch will also be available, featuring bottomless sake cocktails and bubbles.
