Restaurants Creating the Latest Buzz:

Restaurant: Katana Robata and Sushi Bar What’s the Buzz? American TV’s “American Idol” host celebrity Ryan Seacrest and his partners have created the hippest Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles today. Katana Robata and Sushi Bar introduces to America the Robata grill and offers grilled Japanese-themed fare with the allure and history of the Kitana Sword as a backdrop to this unique experience. The interior displays a sleek, attractive grill, and attracts a trendy crowd. Robata – style grilling cooks with open flames using Bincho Tan, a special charcoal from the seaside village of Wakayama. The Robata grilling method was first used by Japanese fisherman from coastal villages, who would cook their catch and share with others by passing the food on the oars from boat to boat. What’s the Trend? Purchase music you listen to at Kitana to play with your meal at home, as a reminder to return. Restaurant: GenghisGrill Restautant Chain What’s the Buzz? The entire franchise has recently been purchased by former store owners Al Bhakta, Ron Parikh, Jay Patel, Dan Bhakta, Chet Bhakta and Nick Bhakta under the corporate name The Chalak Group. These daring businessmen have given a new zest to the “Tale of the Mongolian BBQ,” in which tradition has it that the soldiers ate searing hot meat, vegetables, spices and oils from the shields that were placed over open fires during war campaigns. Their serving style is called Genghis Grill. With this method the customer selects the ingredients (“Build Your Own Bowl”) and lets the Genghis Chefs do the rest. Genghis Chefs cook for patrons over a Genghis Grill which reaches an average temperature of 650° F. What’s the Trend? GenghisGrill Restaurants capitalize on the growing trend of introducing the non-adventurous but hungry population to Asian cuisine in a non-threatening quick-casual way. And, more Asian-Americans are owning these franchises. Restaurant: Tex Wasabi’s Rock N Roll Sushi BBQ What’s the Buzz? The title of this restaurant exclaims, “America is the biggest cuisine melting pot in the world!” Get ready for anything, including a fun and exciting - and adventuresome -dining experience. This new chain is expanding north from Santa Rosa to Sacramento and beyond. What’s the Trend? Promoting Asian fusion in an all-American way .