Former Masa Head Chefs Bring Sophisticated Japanese To The West Village

Neta, a new Japanese restaurant helmed by former Masa and Bar Masa Head Chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau, opens today in New York's bustling West Village. Neta, Japanese for "the fresh ingredients of sushi," will showcase modern, nuanced interpretations of traditional Japanese cuisine in an intimate setting.

The Chefs

Chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau designed Neta's menu with the intention of serving the highest quality ingredients at a more accessible price in a comfortable, sleek space. Though classically trained in French technique, Chef Nick Kim has been working as a sushi chef for the last 10 years when he began working under Masa Takayama at Gizna Sushi-Ko in Los Angeles. Chef Nick Kim then went on to serve as Masa's right-hand man as Head Chef at Masa since it opened in New York City in 2004.

With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Chef Lau most recently served as Head Chef at Bar Masa, where he coordinated international fish purchasing and routinely single-handedly broke down 800-lb tuna. Chef Lau also oversaw the opening of the 150-seat Bar Masa at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas in 2010. Both chefs' refined backgrounds heavily influence the small plates menu at Neta, while also remaining faithful to the exacting techniques perfected while working behind one of the world's most prestigious sushi bars.

The Menu

Neta's varied menu offers a daily omakase, a selection of small plates, and a full traditional sushi menu. Taking influence from classic preparations, Neta will offer small plates from the kitchen, such as Razor Clam Risotto with Soy Braised Veal and Chinese Celery and Chawan Mushi with Dungeness Crab, Water Chestnut and Wild Parsley. From the sushi bar, small plates include items such as Neta Spicy Salmon with Pickled Green Beans and Crispy Rice and Kinuta Maki Ponzu with Hirame, Shrimp and Shiso, wrapped in Marinated Daikon. The sushi menu will highlight traditional sushi, sashimi and roll offerings, in addition to luxury twists such as Grilled Maitake with Black Truffle Roll, Miso Gobo Root and Shiso Roll, Kanpachi and Spicy Potato Roll and three different cuts of tuna-Akami (Lean), Chu Toro (Medium Belly), O Toro (Fatty Belly).

The Design

Designer Richard Bloch (Masa, Dovetail, Patina Restaurant Group) created a clean, calm space with an open kitchen design to encourage a communal atmosphere between the sushi chefs and diners. The main bar features 12 seats directly across from the chefs and a special 8-seat section at the end, ideal for larger parties. The raised bar is a stunning maple wood with hand-placed ebony inlays. Free floating tables will provide an additional 20 seats, for those looking for a more traditional dining experience. Dark grey flamed granite floors typical of Tokyo sidewalks along with rich grey walls create a soothing oasis to escape and enjoy. Vivid custom made fabric chair backs, as well as a subtle orange border along the walls provide a strong, cheerful counter-point.

Neta is located at 61 W 8th Street, NY, NY 10011 between 5th & 6th avenues. Neta will be open every day from 5:00PM-10:30PM. For more information or reservations please call 212-505-2610 or visit www.netanyc.com. Twitter: @netanyc. Email: info@netanyc.com