A Japanese experience in the new bar in Madrid
Arzábal, one of the most solid gastronomic hallmarks in the capital, was almost born by chance, when a colleague from the catering school decided to introduce Ivan Morales and Alvaro Castellanos , foundations of the empire.
Was a gastronomic-festive romance that ended up at the notary and setting up the first tavern in 2009 , in the same location where just a few days ago and on the occasion of the second anniversary of his A Japanese Kirikata , inaugurated their new premises: Kirikata .
Ivan Morales and Alvaro Castellanos
With Kirikata , Álvaro and Iván increase their offer of Japanese cuisine. We already knew A Japanese Kirikata from the Arzabal group, that cool tavern that simulated an English private club from the early 20th century , with its chesterfield sofas and sushi bar; almost like a piece of the Bilderberg in Madrid where the cocktail bar took a step forward.
Name Kirikata comes from the Japanese term used to define the technique of cutting fish in the kitchen . The new Kirikata is already a commitment to the 100% Japanese cuisine , but with the distinctive Arzábal, the soul of a tavern without losing sophistication or flirting with luxury.
Bao of Kirikata
“It was the client itself that redirected us to what it is today: a japanese restaurant with japanese product , with a selection of wines, champagne, sherry and spirits. Iván and I love everything that has to do with Japan, and we jumped into the pool”, Álvaro Castellanos tells us.
The concept is almost that of a french luxury restaurant , with its fine crockery, the comfort of a wooden table, its linen napkin and its silver cutlery. Interior design has been introduced elements of Japanese culture and cuisine in a very subtle way.
Bringing a Japanese into a traditional neighborhood is an act of bravery . Álvaro is clear about it: “I think the neighborhood has become the best area of Madrid in terms of gastronomy. You have much more good offer than in other neighborhoods. The neighborhood customer is a very good customer, he understands a lot about gastronomy and demands a level tavern, not an ephemeral gastrobar that only lives for a few months”. And Kirikata has all the ingredients to make it work in this neighborhood that so fashionable has put the heat of Ibiza street. The success is evident, because it has only been open a few days and the room is already completely full on a Tuesday night.
Flambéed salmon neguiti
What sushi man they have had Luis Sanchez , one of the many talents that has passed through the kitchen of Kabuki. They work the best product there is in noble, honest and flavorful elaborations. festival of tartars , of niguiris among which there is no shortage of butterfish with truffle or flambéed salmon; and of bathrooms , putting the Iberian pork rib por montera.
Important presence will be given to the **tempurized and grilled (robata) ** and an announced Police Ramen which will soon be incorporated into the menu.
A festival of Japanese flavors
Indispensable the pairing by the hand of Elena Robles , sommelier and maitre d' who passed through Gordon Ramsay's hands at London's Maze and at Gordon Ramsay Hospital Road Restaurant. The Arzábal seal cannot miss the strong presence of champagne , blessed bubble lovers, with some 160 references (8 of them in glasses) and about 300 more wines.
And, among them, two homegrown: Terrible and More Terrible. And from sake that crosses fields of flowers to the wine of Jerez and only the imagination is put through. Because what it is to return, more than one will return many times. Outstanding.
Kirikata's bar
WHY GO
Kirikata is Japanese but at the same time Arzábal in its purest form: a cool, fun place where eat good , where have fun , where you can choose champagne among several references and from where in the end you leave happy . Having the Arzábal Menéndez Pelayo Tavern a few meters away gives the possibility of continuing with drinks for those who are not satisfied with just having dinner.
EXTRA
A Japanese Kirikata not only offers sushi and cocktails in his English club . You can enter through London and go to New York or Tokyo and lose your mind with two tasting menus: the Omakase Medium of 65 euros and the Omakase Large of 85 euros. Being a gourmet for a day is TOP.
IN DATA
Address: Calle Doctor Castelo, 2
Telephone: 914 35 88 29
Schedule: From Monday to Saturday: from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m.
Medium Ticket: €45