Life and Religion
| Sushi, Saki and Oriental flavors |
| Published Thursday, December 9, 2010 8:00 am |
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| KALU RESTAURANT |
| from l-r Kalu owner Keisha Vicks, Executive Chef and General Manager Bryan S. Emperor, owner Jason Vicks |
“We knew it was a good time for the building (interior), but we didn’t know if it was a good time for people to come and eat,” Jason said. “I told my wife if it didn’t work out we’re going to live in here.”
The Vicks opened Kalu in June and before completing its first year of business it was voted one of Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurants 2010.
“The week the article came out we saw 500 to 600 people,” Jason said. “We took 120 reservations.”
It’s an unlikely story of an African American couple – Jason’s from Georgia and Keisha’s from South Carolina – owning an Asian restaurant.
Jason moved to Charlotte from Atlanta, where Keisha was already living. The couple saw more of an opportunity to build something unique.
“Charlotte is a great town if you’re looking to start a business,” Jason said. “In Atlanta, maybe 100 other people have that same idea.”
Prior to opening Kalu, Jason said he found himself eating a lot of Asian food while entertaining clients and traveling abroad. His love for the cuisine was apparent.
| Kalu Restaurant |
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“(Jason) always wanted to do Asian-themed rooms in our house,” Keisha said. “So I told him take this restaurant and make it your baby.”
The Vicks also own the Red Lion Restaurant and Tavern, (formerly the Jazz Café) and have a real estate company, Shelton Properties.
“People need to have somewhere to live and somewhere to eat,” Jason said. “But I just really like the restaurant business.”
Cuisine
Kalu focuses on flavors from Japan, with Chinese and Korean influences.
Chef Bryan S. Emperor calls it a new Asian cuisine.
Long before Kalu opened, the Vicks hired Emperor as executive chef and general manager.
In 2008, he was ranked No. 2 in the world in sushi preparation. Emperor was also North American champion in the Seven Sushi Samurai competition.
“That is what makes Bryan unique because he’s won awards for being one of the top chefs in the world,” Jason said. “The food here is the best food you’re going to get in the city.”
While working at Lehman Brothers, Emperor became a fan of Asian cuisine.
"As I was entertaining clients in Japan and Tokyo I got more and more interested in the food," Emperor said. "I decided to go back to cooking school and follow my passion."
Emperor has worked in New York, Charlottesville, Va., and Portland, Ore. Additionally, he speaks Japanese and is an expert in Asian culture and tradition.
Emperor said the sushi at Kalu is made fresh and even the teriyaki sauce takes four days to prepare.
Don’t forget the drinks.
Kalu serves eight different Sakis that aren’t offered anywhere in the United States, including one that is similar to a slush.
“When Bryan lived in Japan he became familiar with all the Saki,” Jason said. “When people see the menu they’re intrigued because they want to know what things are.”
Emperor created the menu.
“We had started a menu and after hiring Bryan he revamped the ideas,” Jason said. “We gave him full control over the menu.”
There are several Emperor specialties, including spicy tofu hotpot, kobe meatballs and Ishiyaki steak.
“He completely understood the vision,” Jason said of Emperor. “And he had the expertise to take it a further.”
Ambiance
The 7,700 square-foot property has three main areas: the bar and lounge, main dining room including the sushi bar and upstairs dining area. Approximately 150 people could occupy each section.
The bars can turn into different colors – approximately 360 – and Asian artwork hangs around the restaurant.
If you go upstairs, there is a unique piece of furniture, a Japanese bed from the 1600s.
“It’s really a dining experience,” Jason said. “This is not your typical restaurant.”
On average, about 15 to 20 percent of the clientele is African American.
“I would like to see more, but whoever walks through the door is a customer,” Jason said. “It’s been one of the hardest things for us to; draw in more African American customers. When most people come in they don’t think African Americans own something like this.”
Kalu offers free valet service. Reservations are not required but suggested Thursday through Saturday evenings. The restaurant is closed Sundays.
“You could have a great time at a very affordable price,” Jason added. “I think this was needed in Charlotte. It brings a different change.”
For more information or for reservations, call (704) 910-4877.
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