:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48593619/origami_okane.0.0.jpg)
When the fast casual Origami Market opened back in August from the Omakase team, it promised speedy, healthy Asian options. But just one month later, the concept folded. "It just wasn’t working, so he [owner Kash Feng] totally redid it," director of operations Justin Goo told Eater, who Feng brought on board to refocus to Okane. The space was remodeled by Aya Jessani (who also did Omakase) with 46 seats and a four-seat sushi bar with lots of raw wood and Japanese decorations. Open as of yesterday, Okane is intended as a neighborhood izakaya, in the style of Japan’s casual dining and drinking dens. "More of what you would call a Japanese Cheers where everybody knows everybody there," Goo said. "That’s what we wanted to bring here with a little more of an upscale feel, as well as affordable."
To achieve that, Feng and Goo brought on chef Shin Aoki (Kaigetsu) to create a menu of shareable plates like tempura, noodles, karaage and sushi (see the full menu below). For the sushi portion, sister restaurant Omakase trained Okane’s chefs, and the two restaurants share fish purveyors and product. And there could be a good deal to be had here — Omakase’s omakase starts at $150, whereas Okane’s starts at $80 for 10 pieces of nigiri, a sashimi course and housemade sesame ice cream. Drinks include Japanese beer and sake and a small wine list.
Okane is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight.
