Highly Anticipated Japanese Culinary Experiences Now Open at Detroit’s Book Tower

January 25, 2024

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Detroit, MI – January 25, 2023 — Elevated and authentic Japanese dining and cocktail experiences — HIROKI-SAN and Sakazuki— are now open at Detroit’s Book Tower, located at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Grand River Avenue. Conceptualized and managed by Philadelphia-based hospitality and development firm Method Co., the new destinations were designed in collaboration with long-standing partner Stokes Architecture + Design.Distinguished by traditional Japanese flavors, design and décor, HIROKI-SAN and Sakazuki enhance the growing downtown culinary scene, and complement Book Tower’s food & beverage, residential, event and extended stay hotel offerings.

HIROKI-SAN

Led by Executive Chef Hiroki Fujiyama, who trained under legendary “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, HIROKI-SAN takes inspiration from the award-winning Philadelphia eatery Hiroki. Located on the lower level of Book Tower, guests will discover a modern Japanese dining experience.

“My passion lies in crafting a culinary experience that goes beyond borders, bringing people together through the art of food,” said Chef Hiroki. “We’ll be sharing the authentic Japanese food culture that extends from our roots in Philadelphia and Kyoto, Japan and focusing heavily on seasonality and soulfulness.”

The Menu

Crafted from imports flown in fresh weekly from Japan, the expansive menu features a variety of small, shareable plates including, but not limited to:

  • Robatayaki — wood-fired skewers and grilled items

  • Wagyu — three regional varieties of the specialty Japanese beef

  • Noodles/Shumai — broths, steamed and sauteed dishes

  • Sushi — focused on a seasonal assortment of traditional sushi and maki rolls

  • Specialties — Japanese Wagyu beef, Curry Katsu, Uni-Toro Maki and more

Accompanying the cuisine, cocktails and mocktails at HIROKI-SAN take on classic Japanese libations with an emphasis on sake. Guests can enjoy cocktails such as the Bamboo Cutter (umeshu, chilled jasmine tea, peach) and the Chicka (blanco tequila, pear, lime & pineapple juices, vanilla, shiso), among others.

Design & DecorThe 4,100 square-foot HIROKI-SAN seats up to 108 guests — including nine seats at the sushi counter, 12 at the Chef’s counter, 87 in the main dining room, and a 16-seat private dining room. Design notes include Book Tower’s original plaster walls, a hand-hewn cypress beam ceiling, and customary Shoji(Japanese paper) screens.

Sakazuki

At street level is Sakazuki, a Japanese pub with a vast, by the glass sake menu, sandos — classic Japanese sandwiches — and small plates. Guests can snack on fun yoshoku (Western-style) bites like wagyu hamburgers, wagyu hot dogs and ekiben (bento boxes commonly sold at train stations across Japan).Japanese-inspired libations include the Yuzu Colada (yuzu sake, white rum, coconut, pineapple juice), the Sailor Moon (riku gin, lemon juice, Sakura, lychee), and the Hello, Kat (blanco tequila, midori, lime juice, vanilla, matcha). With only 37 seats, including four at the bar, the intimate Sakazuki is a perfect stop before your night begins or as it winds down.

Sakazuki’s design and décor is inspired by Japanese pop-culture, nightlife and anime, featuring vibrant, fluorescent colors. The restaurant’s custom ceramic tilework was curated by Architectural Ceramics of Japan, known as one of the country’s finest tilemakers.

“Our team has collaborated to bring together some of the best elements of Japanese culinary and beverage traditions, as well as design, art and music to create unique concepts that complement each other in a special way,” said Randall Cook, CEO and co-founder of Method Co. “The goal of these concepts is to create an immersive experience, taking people away from their everyday lives for a bit and giving them a glimpse into some amazing aspects of Japanese culture and in doing so, enriching Detroit's diverse dining scene. We are incredibly excited to be opening our doors and to welcome the city of Detroit in to enjoy each of these spaces, all in one night or also one at a time.”

“Book Tower has quickly become a dining destination for impeccable cuisine, cocktail offerings and exquisite design,” said Andrew Leber, Vice President of Hospitality at Bedrock. “The care and attention to detail extends to the newly opened HIROKI-SAN and Sakazuki, where guests will be transported by the authentic flavors and exceptional ambiance - a beautiful complement to the curated food and beverage selections.”

Initial hours of operation:

HIROKI-SAN: Tuesday – Thursday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Sakazuki: Tuesday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Friday – Saturday, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.

For more information:

HIROKI-SAN: visit hirokisandetroit.com and follow @taleofhirokisanfor the most up-to-date information. Reservations, which are highly recommended, may be booked through Resy.

Sakazuki: visit sakazukidetroit.com and follow @sakazukidetroit for the most up-to-date information.

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About Method Co.Method Co. is a Philadelphia-based hospitality and development firm with an in-house design and branding arm, Method Studios. Founded on the integration of historically compatible disciplines, the firm bridges the worlds of interior design, management and real estate development, while embracing the custom design of products, furniture, identities and experiences. Recognized as a strategic placemaking trendsetter, Method Co. is built from a team with extensive experience finance, interior design, branding, architecture, urban planning and fine arts. This diverse skill set forms the foundation of the firm’s interdisciplinary practice. The team is responsible for the design, staging, development and management of various real estate and hospitality projects, including ROOST Apartment Hotel and Whyle brands, Wm. Mulherin's Sons Restaurant & Hotel and HIROKI restaurants in Philadelphia, PA, The Quoin, a boutique hotel in Wilmington, DE, The Pinch, a newly opened boutique property in Charleston, SC, and Le Suprême, Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge and Bar Rotunda, the most recently opened restaurants/bars in Detroit, MI. For more information, visit www.methodco.com.

About Bedrock

Bedrock is a full-service real estate firm specializing in innovative city building strategies. Since its founding in 2011, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested and committed more than $7.5 billion to acquire, develop and operate more than 140 properties in Detroit and Cleveland with landmark developments at the Hudson’s Site, Book Tower, City Modern, Tower City Center and the May Company Building. Bedrock’s projects include new construction, adaptive reuse and a portfolio totaling more than 21 million square feet of office, retail, residential, industrial, hospitality and parking. For additional information about Bedrock, please visit bedrockdetroit.com or engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Near Perfect Media for Method Co.

Rachel Lachover rachel@nearperfectmedia.com

Bedrock

Lora Brand lorabrand@bedrockdetroit.com

Kirsty McInnes kirstymcinnes@bedrockdetroit.com