New Restaurant Anakuma Opens.
The Discover team were the first to be invited to the launch of this fantastic new Japanese inspired small plates and cocktails venue on Preston Street, Brighton.
Following the resounding success of Halisco, a Mexican inspired small plate restaurant, the masterminds behind this vibrant delight have now opened a second venue.
Anakuma is just across the road, with the theme being Japanese Inspired small plates and cocktails.
The Discover team have visited many times since Halisco opened and regard the venue as a firm favourite on the vast Brighton restaurant landscape. So needless to say, we were proud to be the first media outlet in the city to be invited to new restaurant Anakuma, knowing we would be in for a treat.
Similar to Halisco, Anakuma is an intimate space with exposed brickwork, stripped wooden floors and a huge street facing window which allows plenty of natural light. As always, the welcome is warm and you are immediately made to feel like part of the family.
We visited during Octoberfest and the menu was only £25 per person and split simply into meat, fish or vegan. The offering was generous and being carnivorous we opted for the first choice which included, crackers and dips, smacked cucumber, Gochujang corn ribs, five spice duck breast with black garlic Chimichurri, pork belly bao and sweet bao with churro ice cream.
As expected, every dish was inventive and delivered on flavour and substance. We enjoyed the exciting variety of dishes and each plate wowed – to say we were extremely full afterwards is an understatement.
The vegan and fish menus were equally impressive, boasting dishes such as, glazed king oyster mushroom and black sesame seared tuna. Definitely ones to try on another occasion. The team are looking forward to sampling the delights from the November menu and will report back post-haste.
Now let’s talk about the cocktails. The menu is as exciting as the food offerings with non alcoholic options also being available. Why not try a Japanese whisky sour? Made with Nikka Days whiskey, lemon juice, bitters and topped with a mandarin and citrus foam. If it’s a lighter taste you prefer, then we recommend a Jasmine Fizz, featuring Absolut Vodka, Jasmine liqueur, Pernod and topped with lemon sherbet soda. Floral and refreshing with a kick. There’s something for everyone from Asahi Japanese super dry to Lucky Saint low alcohol.
Owners Ali and Mo have dedicated the new venue to their late mother, who helped them set up Halisco. Anakuma is Japanese for badger and this was the nickname of their dearly departed mum. When Halisco opened, she did every job under the sun, from making table covers, painting, polishing cutlery, prepping food and predominately being the best kitchen porter to ever grace the linoleum. From being mediator in any disputes, and getting involved in all of the camaraderie and banter. The brothers acknowledge that Halisco would not have survived and thrived in the way it has, had it not been for her.
Without a shadow of a doubt, she would be so proud of her sons and the amazing eateries they have created. Halisco is one of the busiest venues in the city, so much so, that a downstairs area has been created to cope with the volume of customers. We predict big things for Anakuma as with love at the heart of everything the boys do, how can they fail? Book now and hope you’ll be able to get a table.
50 Preston Street BN1 2HP
@anakumabrighton
