Tanuki Tavern: New York | China Grill Management

Tanuki Tavern

New York, NY

Tanuki Tavern, a Japanese gastropub and sushi bar in the heart of the Meatpacking District, takes its name from the mischievous and jolly creature of Japanese folklore while the atmosphere draws its inspiration from a Japanese izakaya. With its light wood interior, glowing paper lanterns and eclectic indie soundtrack, Tanuki Tavern’s casual and convivial vibe is great for a quick bite, leisurely meal or late night snack.

Cuisine

Unlike traditional izakayas--pubs serving Japanese (and often Western influenced) snacks, small plates and noodles--Tanuki Tavern also serves an extensive menu of sashimi, inventive and traditional sushi/rolls and riceless rolls as well as grilled/hibachi items that pair well with its wide array of signature cocktails, craft beers and hard to find sakes.

Chef Kazuhiko Hashimoto • Master Sushi Chef

Having grown up in Cho-Shi, a small fishing village 80 miles outside of Tokyo, Chef Hashimoto began his cooking apprenticeship after moving to Tokyo alone at the tender age of 17 when he began an intense cooking apprenticeship program where he learned the fine art and nuances of preparing Japanese cuisine. When Kazu’s master chef informed him of an opportunity to travel to America to help open a Japanese restaurant in New York City, he jumped at the chance and eventually decided to stay in the US.

His desire to learn other cuisines led Kazu to work in some of New York’s finest restaurants including a position as line cook at Bouley Bakery and at Danube. His knowledge of other cuisines helped him better understand American diners, enhance his cooking abilities and eventually realize his true passion for his native cuisine. He eventually went on to work as sushi chef at the celebrated New York Japanese eatery, Megu, and then in October, 2004 joined the team at Ono at Hotel Gansevoort as Executive Sushi Chef. His imaginative menu and mastership of the cuisine garnered him attention from industry peers and the public alike. In his current position as Executive Sushi Chef at Tanuki Tavern, he has served some of the most discerning diners in New York and beyond, by creating some of the City’s most inventive sushi offerings.