Nikutei Futago — New York City
Twin-brother restaurateurs Sunchol Lee and Sunbong Lee, known for their chain of Japanese steakhouses Yakiniku Futago, debuted Nikutei Futago, a kaiseki concept, in New York City last month. The 38-seat restaurant offers a $320 seasonal tasting menu, which centers on Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, along with an optional $125 sake pairing menu. An emphasis is placed on the play of scents wafting throughout the restaurant. To that end, a grill is set into each table, allowing the beef to be cooked on the spot, which maximizes its flavor according to the restaurant.