During the course of our North of Bourbon profile in the most recent issue of F&D, we had this to say about Ensō, which opened on Wednesday, October 25.
North of Bourbon’s ownership group has a new project slated to debut in the 4th quarter of 2023: Ensō (“full circle”) at 1756 Frankfort Avenue, formerly Ostra and Maido Essential Japanese, among others. Lawrence (Weeks) will oversee both kitchens, and his exploration continues.
“My parents met in the Navy. They lived in Okinawa, Japan. Growing up, I had a lot of Japanese artwork and a lot of the culture translated at home. It piqued my interest as far as Japanese food, art and culture.
“(Ensō) is going to be non-traditional Japanese, and the heart of it is going to be Southern food. It’s going to use Japanese ingredients, technique and influence, but the heart of it is all going to be Southern, like with the okra and the tomatoes that grow here.
“We’ve actually got a garden in the back where we’re growing a lot of our own produce. We’ve got native plants that we’re going to be using as well as non-natives that grow really well here.”
At Louisville Business First, Michael L. Jones has more: FIRST LOOK: Inside Ensō, the new Clifton restaurant blending Southern and Japanese cuisine.
The menu at Ensō includes Katsu sliders, skewers, noodle dishes, and desserts that incorporate both Southern and Asian ingredients and techniques. Prices range from $8 to $30, although some dishes like the Japanese Waygu sliders are more expensive. To complement the culinary offerings, Ensō’s beverage program will be spirits-focused, primarily with Japanese highballs, whiskey and sakes.
