EDITOR’S NOTE: The in-the-works West Seattle restaurant we’re getting the most questions about right now is Kizuki Ramen, previously Kukai when we first reported its Junction plan last August. So if you’re wondering when it will open (etc.), here’s what we have found out:
By Randall Hauk
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Ramen fans of West Seattle can look forward to late April, the current target for the opening of Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya in The Junction.
The West Seattle outlet of Kizuki will be the fourth Seattle-area location for the Japan-based ramen chain that’s currently undergoing a name change from Kukai. When the company opened its Bellevue location late in 2012, that was its first outside Japan. Now, after successful openings in Northgate, Capitol Hill, and Beaverton, Oregon, Kizuki’s management is excited to come to the peninsula.
“Kizuki recognized the opportunity to be a part of an ever-growing destination and diverse neighborhood in West Seattle,” says Kizuki District Manager and 17-year West Seattle resident Patrick Haight. “We are excited about offering a unique and different dining experience in The Junction.”
Haight says the company already employs several West Seattle residents at other locations, including a general manager, which should help bring some local feel to a restaurant dealing in one of the world’s great comfort foods. Here, by the way, are two Kizuki interior photos shared with us to give you an idea of what you’ll find inside the 42nd/Alaska location:
In addition to a variety of ramen styles, Kizui also offers many “small dish” (Izakaya) items, including Chicken Karaage, Potato Croquettes, and a Japanese Pork Bun with Tender Pork Belly.
But make no mistake, the ramen is the main attraction, with the slow-simmered broth helping Kizuki offer what they describe as “the most traditional, authentic, and delicious Japanese ramen that you can possibly have without flying to Japan.”
Those with dietary restrictions can also rejoice. Kizuki offers Shirataki yam noodles, providing an option for the gluten-free and low-carb crowds. There is even a vegetarian ramen broth, which is also gluten-free.
For those with beverage needs, Kizuki will have beer, wine, and spirits, with a heavy focus on Japanese beer, Japanese whiskey, sake, and soju.
Kizuki will be open at 11:00 a.m. seven days a week, but will close at 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, reopening for dinner from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the restaurant stays open through the entire day until midnight. Kizuki will also remain open through Sunday afternoons, but closes at 9:30 p.m.
Reservations are not accepted at Kizuki, so it’s first-come, first-served. Customers can call ahead, however, for takeout orders. Haight anticipates also offering delivery, but has not yet identified a vendor for the service.
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