Contemporary Japanese hospitality group Aburi Restaurants Canada and Westbank, a leading North American real estate development practice, are collaborating on a brand new dining concept – Aburi Hana Vancouver and a forthcoming project inside the highly-anticipated Alberni by Kengo Kuma, both set to open this winter.
“Alberni by Kengo Kuma is expected to transform the downtown Vancouver landscape with its blend of Japanese traditions alongside contemporary design – making it the perfect location for our first Aburi Hana in Vancouver,” explainsSeigo Nakamura, Founder and CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada. “Aburi Hana Vancouver will feature the same fine-dining magnificence as our one MICHELIN star Aburi Hana in Toronto, while redefining what we call ‘washoku’ or Japanese food culture by harmoniously incorporating Japanese ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods alongside local elements. Our award-winning operations team will lead all training and ensure meticulous attention to every detail.”
Nakamura has recruited a renowned chef from Japan to helm Aburi Hana Vancouver, who most recently served as sous chef at a prestigious two MICHELIN star establishment, and will be announced at a later date.
Aburi Hana Vancouver will be located on the ground floor of Alberni by Kengo Kuma, right at the corner of Alberni Street and Cardero Street. The nearly 3,000 square foot space is currently undergoing its transformation now. Next door, a second yet-to-be-announced project by Aburi Restaurants Canada and Westbank is also coming soon.
“Our collaboration with Aburi Restaurants is part of our original vision inspired by our experience with the culinary art form of Kaiseki, to bring the best of contemporary Japanese cuisine to Alberni by Kengo Kuma,” said Ian Gillespie, Founder and CEO of Westbank. “Aburi Hana Vancouver represents a further evolution of the innovative, contemporary Japanese cuisine for which Aburi Restaurants Canada is known and their second yet to be announced project will be equally inspired – they form yet another layer of Alberni by Kengo Kuma that will make this project into a destination in our city – for architecture, design, art and culinary experience. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Aburi Restaurants Canada to open these exciting new concepts later this year.”
Aburi Restaurants Canada is the team behind award-winning restaurants in Vancouver and Toronto, including MICHELIN Guide-recommended Miku, Miku Toronto, Minami, Minami Toronto, one MICHELIN star Aburi Hana, TORA, WA! CURRY, grocerant Aburi To-Go, Aburi Market, and the soon-to-open WA-BAGEL.
