Dabble in Fine Wines and Foods for Art’s Sake,at High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction March 21-24

The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction is the largest charity wine auction in the U.S. benefiting the arts. This year’s theme embraces “The Art of Collecting the Very Best of Wine, Art and Food.” Participate in dinners, auction-related events and the phenomenal auction itself and consider yourself an integral part of this masters-full, multi-day event. We’re excited that a host of our favorite restaurants are involved, including 5Church Atlanta, Aria,American Cut, Brine Seafood Shack, Chicken and the Egg,Livingston Restaurant + Bar, Marlow’s Tavern, Storico Fresco Alimentari, Twelve Eighty and Umi.

Decant the entire event list and buy tickets here.

Star Grazing

Atlanta-bound stars continue to alight at Umi. Celebrity A-lister Kate Hudson dined at Buckhead’s much-acclaimed Japanese restaurant on Nov. 6, enjoying a variety of items such as edamame, miso soup, Madai carpaccio, salmon yuzuviche, spicy tuna crispy rice, yellowtail jalapeño, hamachi caviar, Hinomaru nigiri, Kobe beef nigiri, sake aioli nigiri, Otoro caviar nigiri, lobster Toban-yaki and black cod misoyaki. Her group also sipped on Ketel One vodka cosmopolitans and a bottle of Dassai sake.

Star Grazing

Eclipse glasses filtered the sun for viewing on Aug. 21, but they couldn’t block out a star sighting in Buckhead. Gwyneth Paltrow and son visited Umi with friends that night, orbiting around an order of rock shrimp tempura, seaweed salad, eel avocado and shrimp roll and other delectables from chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s exquisitely modern Japanese menu. Actor Benjamin Bratt was sighted there on Aug. 17 blissfully immersed in yellowtail jalapeño, spicy tuna crispy rice, rock shrimp tempura and lobster tempura roll paired with Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc. Not despicable, if you ask me.

Star Grazing

Celebs continue to gravitate to Umi for chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s incredible sushi, nigiri, sashimi and signature rolls. Samuel L. Jackson (“Star Wars,” “The Incredibles”) was spotted dining at Umi on July 20. The King of Cool has appeared in more than 100 films and holds the rare distinction of being eaten by both a shark and a dinosaur in his occupation. At Umi, Jackson played diner, not dinner, with four other guests and enjoyed himself so much he returned for a second visit on July 22.

Star Grazing

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen was spotted dining at Umi in Buckhead on a July Saturday. To copycat, sit at table 61, tilt some Moscow Mules and relish Umi starters of yellow tail jalapeño, spicy tuna crispy rice, madai carpaccio and sanmori followed by specialty typhoon and soft shell crab rolls.

Wine Spectator Pours “Best of” Awards over Aria, Ray’s in the City and Umi

Could it be the toast heard ‘round the world? Wine Spectator magazine raises a glass to its 2017 “Best of Award” recipients, honoring restaurants exhibiting outstanding dedication to their wine programs. Award winners hail from all 50 states and more than 75 countries. In Atlanta, “Wine Spectator” applauds Aria, Ray’s in the City and Umi among a cast of outstanding restaurants. Ray’s in the City and Umi each claim an “Award of Excellence” commending merit in satisfying discerning wine lovers with well-chosen assortments of quality wine producers and prowess in achieving a thematic match of wine price and style to restaurant menus. Ray’s in the City offers a lengthy wine list of wines by the bottle, including alternative reds and whites, global labels, French wines, Champagnes, sake and dessert wines in a wide price spread. The downtown restaurant pours a well-curated selection of wines by the glass to complement executive chef Dean Berthelot’s menu of premium seafood, sushi and prime, hand-cut steaks and chops served daily at lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. At Umi, an exceptional wine and craft sake list enhances the sophisticated evening dining experience afforded by chef Fuyuhiko Ito and his team. Reservations are suggested to enjoy Umi’s menu of modern and classic Japanese fare and sushi prepared using the highest quality fresh fish flown in daily from around the world.

Aria, chef/owner Gerry Klaskala’s Buckhead jewel, goes a step further and brings home the “Best of Award of Excellence” accolade. In addition to mastering “Award of Excellence” criteria, attaining “Best of“ status lauds the restaurant for a wine program that excels in breadth across multiple regions and/or significant vertical depth of top wines and carries out superior presentation. Stunning contemporary American cuisine, incomparable hospitality and an award-winning wine program land Aria on “Best of” lists year after year. Reservations are suggested at Aria for dinner served evenings Monday through Saturday.

Star Grazing

Even cloudy skies can’t hide celebrities dining at Atlanta restaurants. Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Williams and guest enjoyed green tea, miyabi omakase and miso soup at Umi. A few days later, “Cheech” Marin from Cheech and Chong dropped in with a friend, indulging in gekkeikan hot, agedashi tofu, baked lobster tempura, live scallop sashimi, otoro nigiri, uni nigiri with quail egg and other artful delicacies from executive chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s menu.

The Stars are Out, Dining Out – Celeb Sightings at Atlanta Restaurants

Hit the brakes! Here in Atlanta, you never know who will be supping one table over. Several celebs were spotted dining around town during the month of May. Umi always shines, and several May visitors added their glow. Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk spun into the Buckhead restaurant early in May. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher dined at Umi on May 22, enjoying chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s sophisticated, modern Japanese cuisine centered on showcasing the freshest fish from the world’s finest markets. The two were presumably in town while Kunis films “A Bad Moms Christmas,” the sequel to “Bad Moms.” Pro basketballer Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves beefed up on tender Miyazaki wagyu strip, a specialty cut at American Cut in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Earlier this year, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and wife Samantha pulled into 5Church Atlanta in Midtown -- making one delicious “pit stop” for the restaurant’s chef-driven, regional cuisine. The couple has been to 5Church Charlotte and thought they’d give the Atlanta location a spin. Perhaps a cruise down Peachtree was next on their GPS?   

NYC’s Famed Pride of Japan Dinner Makes Atlanta Debut at Umi Nov. 13

New York City’s Japanese sushi masters unite at Umi to cook together and share the popular Pride of Japan dinner with Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 13, thanks to an invitation from Umi chef Fuyuhiko Ito. The dinner celebrates washoku, the best in Japanese culture and cuisine, known for following centuries-old cooking techniques and using seasonal ingredients. The renowned chefs joining Ito and pastry chef Lisa Ito are from three of New York’s finest Japanese restaurants. Chef Kazu Yoshida from 1 or 8, called “Brooklyn’s Finest Sushi Counter” by Bloomberg Pursuits, has numerous accolades from restaurant critics and guests alike; chef Kunihide Nakajima is from Jado Sushi, named “Best Sushi” in 2015 by The Village Voice; and Hakata Tonton's famed chef Koji Hagihara is known for his authentic Kyushu Japanese soul food. The omakase dinner of chef-selected dishes paired with sake is $200 per guest. Only 80 seats are available, spread over four seatings. For reservations and seating times, call 404-841-0040. Valid credit card information is required to secure a reservation. Please note that additional alcohol and tax are not included. The regular menu will not be available, and chefs kindly ask that no substitutions are made. 

Upscale Lounge Himitsu Shakes Up Peachtree

Himitsu, the new companion luxury lounge for popular Buckhead restaurant Umi, is now open at 3050 Peachtree Road. Co-owners Farshid Arshid and Charlie Hendon are samurai-serious about their devotion to high-end service and classic Japanese bartending, right down to the last individually embossed piece of crystal-clear ice. Atlanta cocktail artisan T. Fable Jeon takes the shaker as director to execute an inventive array of libations from the mind of Himitsu creative director Shingo Gokan. A lengthy libation list features an extensive sake collection, shōchū, cocktails and wine, plus a menu of small dishes and desserts. To ensure an exclusive experience, reservations are required to receive a code to enter the 60-seat, two-level Himitsu. Reservations can be made by emailing hello@puraibeto.com. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m.  

Atlanta Chefs and Philanthropists Party in the Kitchen for Open Hand Atlanta on September 18

Nonprofit Open Hand is the nation’s largest provider of home-delivered, medically appropriate meals, preparing, packing and delivering more than 5,000 meals daily and two million annually to residents across metro Atlanta and 17 Georgia counties. It was founded twenty-five years ago by several Atlantans who cooked meals for friends who were too ill to prepare meals on their own.

To grow and support Open Hand, Atlanta chefs and residents are coming together to Party in the Kitchen, and a party it is. An evening of music, food, drink and live and silent auctions are the happenings at King Plow Arts Center Event Gallery on Thursday, September 17 beginning at 7 p.m. Chef Gerry Klaskala of Aria is the co-chair for Party in the Kitchen. Chefs Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, Fuyuhiko and Lisa Ito of Umi and others will also be joining in on the event. Pull out your party dress and buy your ticket today! 

Zagat Releases “30 Under 30” Who are Making a Difference in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

                                    Layla Walk, King+Duke

From chefs to servers and entrepreneurs to sommeliers, this list of “30 under 30” features some of the top talent in Atlanta’s food and beverage world. Their accomplishments in the culinary game are very impressive, but what’s even more inspiring is that they are making such an impact before they turn the age of 30. Included in this list is Matthew Crawford, the assistant general manager and sommelier at St. Cecilia. Also making the cut is Michele Tenggara, server at one of the best spots for sushi in Atlanta, Umi. Layla Walk channels her passion for food as the chef de cuisine at King + Duke. Another chef de cuisine, Joey Ward is a part of this esteemed bunch. At Gunshow, Joey is the culinary collaborator to chef Kevin Gillespie. 

Umi’s Michele Tenggara Named One of Atlanta’s Culinary Game Changers by Zagat

Each year, Zagat selects 30 Culinary Game Changers under the age of 30 from across the nation. After being nominated, Umi's head server Michle Tenggara has been selected to join the esteemed list of culinary connoisseurs, or “30 Under 30”, who are innovating the culinary game. Thanks to Tenggara, Umi continuously raises the bar for outstanding service and superior hospitality in Atlanta. Congratulations, Michele. May there be more awards to come! 

Umi Chefs Fuyuhiko and Lisa Ito to Wow NYC’s James Beard House with Night of Modern Japanese Cooking on August 21

Umi chef Fuyuhiko Ito and his wife, Umi pastry chef Lisa Matsuoko Ito, will take over the Big Apple’s culinary scene on August 21 at 7 p.m. at the James Beard House. The James Beard Foundation wanted to bring an “Art of Modern Japanese Cooking” dinner theme to NYC, and the two culinary powerhouses are bringing their Buckhead restaurant’s Japanese flair and fare. See their James Beard House menu with wine and sake pairings that guests will enjoy at this tasty event!

Umi, Smokebelly and The Big Ketch are Three Tasty Reasons to Attend The Atlantan’s To Live and Dine Benefitting ACFB on August 4

                                                                                     Credit: Angie Mosier

In an effort to help the Atlanta Community Food Bank, The Atlantan Modern Luxury magazine presents To Live & Dine, a luxury cuisine and cocktails event. Grab your tickets and enjoy samples from Umi, Smokebelly, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill and other top restaurants in Atlanta on Monday, August from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery. Take a sample of Umi’s spicy tuna crispy rice, smoked pork belly coleslaw and homemade biscuit sliders from Smokebelly and a watermelon tuna tartar from The Big Ketch. Must be 21 and over to attend and a ticket is required for entry. Purchase online ($35 including service fee) and bring some non-perishable food donations along with you for the ACFB!

Umi Ranks #1 in Jezebel Magazine’s Top 100 Restaurants 2014

When Umi unites classic and modern Japanese flavors, they do more than just please taste buds – they receive accolades. According to Jezebel magazine, partner/chef Fuyuhiko Ito runs the “most happening resto in A-Town.” The Buckhead restaurant ranked number one in the luxury magazine’s “100 Best Restaurants 2014." The recognition kept coming as they claimed "Best Sushi" and "Best Celeb" sightings.

Eat and Greet with Atlanta’s Best Restaurants during Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Atlanta at the Georgia Aquarium on May 8

More than 50 of Atlanta’s top restaurants, including Aria, Aqua blue, Gunshow, JCT. Kitchen & Bar, Marlow’s Tavern and Umi, are participating in Share Our Strength’s 26th annual Taste of the Nation Atlanta at the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, May 8. The city’s premiere culinary benefit generates a strong fundraising flow into Share Our Strength’s efforts to alleviate child hunger in the U.S. While helping these good works, guests will sample restaurant specialties, sip award-winning wines, collect rare wines in the beverage auction, bid on luxurious trips and dining experiences and enjoy live music until the evening winds down at 10 p.m. VIP tickets are $350 each and enable 6:30 p.m. entry. General admission tickets are $250 each for 7:30 p.m. entry.

Appetizing Aperture: Umi

Phone food photo alert. Location: Umi in Buckhead. As soon as the plate graces your table, record a shot of the visually apparent artistry in Umi’s spicy tuna crispy rice. Do it pronto because there’s no stopping your fingers or fork once you start on these bites of lightly fried crispy sushi rice topped with spicy tuna tartar and jalapeño slices.

#Foodgram of the Week: @umisushiatl

From mouthwatering sushi to celebrity guests, Umi’s Instagram page @umisushiatl captures it all. Use it to prime you for the luxurious atmosphere and artful creations executive chef Fuyuhiko Ito serves up.

USA Today nets Umi in Travel Feature

Atlanta has been buzzing about Umi for months now; the Buckhead sushi spot also attracts attention on a national scale. Most recently, USA Today's Kate Parham featured the restaurant in an informative round-up of how different cultures prepare raw fish. Parham heralded Umi as Atlanta's finest sushi restaurant, lauding chef Fuyuhiko Ito for his artful take on Japanese sashimi. In her words, chef Ito arranges "the translucent fish into a chrysanthemum pattern drizzled with ponzu and embellished with scallions and grated daikon." We couldn't describe it better ourselves.