Pan-Asian-slash-fusion cuisine inspired by izakaya--the casual, tapas-style Japanese bistro--is what's coming out of the kitchen at Kubo Asiatic Cuisine (1201 Hwy. 1, 561-776-7248), a newly opened eatery in North Palm Beach from former Mark's CityPlace sushi chef Roy Villacrusis.
With a spare, clean look that matches its Japanese aesthetic, Kubo offers a large selection of sake, as well as five- and seven-course tastings menus, and a roster of nigiri and maki sushi (the Kamakura maki with Maine lobster, kimchee, shiso, masago and pickled ginger aioli sounds particularly interesting).
Villacrusis is known for his artistic presentations and eclectic culinary style, manifested in dishes like his Kimchee Kobe Dog with root vegetable chips and cucumber salad; green tea cured salmon with longan (a tropical Asian fruit), fried basil and yuzu kosho jelly; and Shishito Poppers with truffled crab stuffing, panko and sweet-sour sauce.
Kubo is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.