Sushi Savvy
Authentic Japanese flavors arrive in West Midtown at sushi pop-up MUJΕ with New York Cityβs chef J. Trent Harris at the helm in partnership with Fred Castellucci
One meal was all it took to convince restaurateur Fred Castellucci of Castellucci Hospitality Group that Atlanta lacked an approachable, authentic sushi restaurant operating with true Southern hospitality. So long as New York Cityβs world-class sushi chef J. Trent Harrisβwho Castellucci said prepared him the best sushi dinner heβd ever tastedβwould spearhead the new venture. After years in the making, Castellucci and Harris have opened elevated omakase sushi concept MUJΕ, where the offerings resemble art and Harris, most certainly, is an artist.
Hosted by West Midtownβs Cooks & Soldiers, the takeout-only pop-up offers a limited menu from Thursday to Sunday. Think rice bowls (donburi), small plates (zensai)βlike snow crab and caviar or slow-cooked octopusβand 6- and 10-piece nigiri sushi options that reflect a modern take on Edomae tradition (fish aged and cured to elevate the natural flavor). βWeβre respectful of the traditions, flavors and techniques of Edomae sushi, but use local ingredients when possible and play with the dishes subtly to make food that feels appropriate for who I am and where we are in Atlanta,β says Harris.
And Atlanta is lucky to have Harris. Thanks to MUJΕ, guests can now experience the flavorsβand cultureβof Japan from the comfort of their homes. βIn Japanese there is a saying, βichi-go ichi-e,β which translates as βone time, one meeting,ββ says Harris. βThe term reminds people to cherish each moment in life because it canβt be repeated; each moment is always a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I hope our food can be a way for people to share a moment.β