Buckhead's Omakase Table Debuts Cocktail Program Inspired by Chef Leonard Yu's Cuisine
Beginning April 23, Omakase Table, Buckhead’s new MICHELIN-starred intimate, intriguing take on sushi will add an equally intriguing complementary cocktail program. The handcrafted drink menu, inspired by executive chef Leonard Yu’s creative 20-course tasting menu, is overseen and executed by Omakase Table beverage director and Atlanta native Garn McCown.
A veteran of high-profile Atlanta restaurants, including Bluepointe, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Hotel Palomar, Yebo Beach Haus and Delbar Middle Eastern, McCown is excited to share his inventive cocktail creations with guests.
“Cocktails are always fun, but they work even better in a restaurant like Omakase Table when paired well with the food,” explains McCown. “For me, it’s about translating the chef’s passion in the kitchen to what we create behind the bar. We aim to identify the key elements of a dish and craft a cocktail that complements its nuances—bringing balance to both the plate and the glass.”
Highlights of the new cocktail program include:
Mikan with SG Shochu Mugi, Luxardo Del Santo, clarified sumo mandarin orange, lime dust and bubbles: Mikan (mandarin orange in Japanese) is a reimagined Japanese twist on a classic Fresh 75/Last Word mash up, featuring acclaimed Japanese mixologist Shingo Gokan’s Shochu Mugi and clarified sumo mandarin juice, showcasing the light emerald green hue of the Luxardo Del Santo herbal liqueur.
Nashi ‘Bout It with Roku gin, pear, persimmon and matcha: Nashi (pear in Japanese) takes center stage in this playful twist on a gin sour with floral notes in Roku gin being highlighted delicately with pear, persimmon and matcha to balance the flavors of each sip.
Ume This Way with tequila, grapefruit, plum, cardamom and Thai basil.
Tokyo negroni with gin, lemongrass and rice.
Seasonal highball with Suntory Toki whiskey, house-made apple soda and pink peppercorns.
Yuzu old fashioned with Iwai whiskey, fresh yuzu citrus fruit and black pepper.
“We want each cocktail to transport guests to a specific time or place,” says McCown. “Just like the rest of the omakase experience, each drink is the result of thoughtful research and development, crafted to create lasting memories. Every cocktail is designed to stand on its own while remaining delicate enough to complement the entire meal. We’re excited for guests to experience our inaugural cocktail program.”
Omakase Table is located at 3300 Piedmont Road, Suite 22A in Atlanta. The intimate eatery serves a 20-course omakase experience Wednesday-Sunday from 5-8:30 p.m. Reservations for the bar and tasting menu experience can be made online. Learn more at omakasetableatl.com and on Instagram.