Monday, May 19, 2025
Georgetown is truly becoming the land of the rising sushi. There are Kyojin Sushi, Two Nine, Blue Fin, Susheria, Mai Thai, Khin’s Sushi, Georgetown Sushi and Poke. Now, let’s welcome two more this week.
In: Sushi Gaku
Sushi Chef Yoshi Ota will open Sushi Gaku at 1338 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former basement space of the Donahue on May 21.
“I am so honored to join this historical area in Washington and am excited to introduce my Sushi dishes, which I have dedicated my life to cooking for 40 years,” Ota tells us. “I am planning to serve traditional sushi as well as a different style that our guests have never seen before.”
One signature dish at Sushi Gaku will be Traditional Style Nigiri Sushi. This Edo Style Nigiri Sushi is prepared with akazu (dark vinegar), sushi rice, and perfectly balanced fish pieces. According to the restaurant, “Chef Yoshi will also serve regular Nigiri with white sushi rice, as well as Maki and other casual Japanese dishes.
“Chef Yoshi has been interested in the roots of sushi for a long time. He is planning to serve very fermented ancient-style sushi for the upcoming Omakase course, which will debut after the opening as it takes at least 2 months to prepare.”
In addition, Ota is one of the only chefs in the area to hold a Fugu or Pufferfish preparation license. “I’m honored to bring authentic Japanese cuisine and my philosophy of cooking, eating and drinking to the United States,” he added.
In: Koryouri Urara on Book Hill
Koryouri Urara, a new Japanese restaurant at 1608 Wisconsin Ave. NW, will took the place of Oki Bowl, also a Japanese restaurant that moved to 1614 Wisconsin Ave. NW, formerly the space for Jaco Taco, now gone.
The sushi spot, Koryouri Urara, will open May 20. Its name translates to “Beautiful Small Dishes.”
Coming: Amanda Hagerman Jewelry on Prospect
Amanda Hagerman Jewelry plans to open this summer at 3259 Prospect St. NW, next to the Elliott and near La Bonne Vache.
Hagerman tells us: “For the past nine years, my husband Adam and I have traveled the Mid-Atlantic, showcasing my work at juried art shows. My jewelry has grown and evolved, with the vision of a future storefront always in mind.
“A year ago, we decided to make that vision a reality. We searched for the perfect spot in the D.C. area and set our sights on Georgetown—its rich history, character and charm make it the ideal home for my dream store.
“After several months of searching (shout out to my brokers Arris & Rachel for assisting!), then a handful more after finding the property, we officially closed on the most adorable little dwelling in Georgetown. 3259 Prospect St. NW will soon be the new home of all things Amanda Hagerman Jewelry. I believe this space came to me out of pure serendipity. I’m still pinching myself!
“I’m beyond honored and excited to join the Georgetown small business community! After nine years of working solo in my studio, only sharing my work at shows and pop-ups, the idea of a year-round brick-and-mortar space is a thrill. I truly believe independent shops are the heart of our downtowns, and I can’t wait to contribute as a small, woman-owned artisan shop. I hope it becomes a welcoming space for all—more to come on my shop/atelier concept!”
Moving: Tuckernuck to Foxtrot
Moving on up! The women’s clothing shop, Tuckernuck, plans to take over the shuttered Foxtrot store at 1267 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The shop has been at 1055 Wisconsin Ave. NW for almost 10 years — and, before that, at 1054 Potomac St. NW, where it got its brick-and-mortar start.
Out: FedEx Closes on Saturday
The FedEx store at 3329 M St. NW — next to Bank Alley — will close on Saturday, May 24. The nearest store is 2440 Wisconsin Ave. NW in Glover Park. Previously, the space was a Kinko’s.