An interactive sushi bar is slated to open at Jefferson Pointe next year.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, 4150 W. Jefferson Blvd., will open next to Petshion Boutique in the spring. The chain serves authentic Japanese cuisine, according to its website.
The Fort Wayne location will be more than 5,000 square feet, one of the company’s larger locations, according to a Kura spokeswoman. The dining experience is interactive, with food being served on a two-layered conveyor. Drinks are delivered by a robot. Food being delivered to diners on the primary conveyor is protected by a patented Mr. Fresh ventilated sushi lid that limits airborne exposure and monitors how long food has been circulating.
Part of the brand’s interactive experience includes the Bikkura Pon Prize System. Each table has a prize machine, touch panel and plate disposal slot. A short animation plays each time five plates are placed in the disposal. Once a designated number of plates have been disposed of, prizes are dispensed from a machine.
The menu features a variety of sushi, including wraps, rolls, hand rolls, hot and cold side dishes, noodles and dessert. One Indiana location is already open in Fishers. Go to KuraSushi.com for more information.
Merlot’s holiday menu
Eddie Merlot’s has a limited-time holiday menu that will be available through Jan. 4. Featured entrees include Garlic Chili Tomahawk Ribeye marinated in fresh garlic chili oil. It will serve two. Surf & Turf includes a 6-ounce filet mignon paired with a petite cold water lobster tail. Pan-Roasted Salmon with Crispy Lobster Risotto Cake served with passion fruit butter sauce and grilled asparagus.
The Braised Short Rib is paired with heirloom carrots, fingerling potatoes, cipollini onions and red wine demi-glace. There is also a pan-seared Elk Chop with sauteed fennel, cremini mushrooms and red wine reduction. Also included are Wagyu Meatballs and sommelier-selected wines, including Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Duckhorn Napa Merlot and Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
Starting Monday and lasting through Jan. 3, guests who purchase $100 in gift cards online will receive $25 in bonus cards to use Jan 4 through March 6, excluding Feb. 12-14. Go to EddieMerlots.com for more information.
Trolley featured
Trolley Steaks & Seafood, 2898 E. Dupont Road, will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants soon.
Representatives from the national media and restaurant marketing firm were in the city Tuesday to record an interview with chef and owner Robert Clevenger about the restaurant’s history – which dates to the 1890s – its food and its connection to the local community. In its early years, the restaurant was called Palm Gardens. Later it became known as Trolley Bar.
“The Clevenger family, along with our Trolley family, are delighted to be selected as one of America’s Best Restaurants.” Clevenger said in a news release. “This honor reflects the heart and soul that our entire team has put into providing and building a guest-first culture.”
The menu features longtime favorites, including the restaurant’s historic walleye, locally sourced steaks, Trolley Bucco, seafood selections and what the restaurant describes as the largest salad bar in the area, with several house-made salads and local ingredients.
An air date has not been announced.
America’s Best Restaurants shares the stories of locally owned, independent restaurants through its “ABR Roadshow.” Other area restaurants that have been featured include Moo-Over, which opened in Columbia City before moving to Fort Wayne, and Wild Willy’s in Van Wert, Ohio.
Deals for veterans
Happy Veterans Day! Thank you for your service! Here are a few more offers to add to the list that was shared in last week’s column:
• Bubba’s 33, 317 E. Coliseum Blvd., is offering a free lunch to veterans and active U.S. military until 4 p.m. today. Veterans and active military members who are unable to attend today can receive a rain check voucher from 9 a.m. to noon that will be good through May 31. Proof of service in the form of a VA or military card or discharge papers is required.
Veterans can choose from six entrees, including a Classic Cheeseburger, Bubba’s Bacon Burger, Bacon Chicken Mac-n-Cheese, Grilled Chicken Salad, Chicken Tender Salad or any 12-inch pizza. They will also receive a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/ice tea or coffee during lunch. Go to bubbas33.com for more information.
• Wings Etc. Grill & Pub will pay tribute to veterans and active-duty personnel by offering them a free entrée, valued at $13.99 Proof of service is required. Go to wingsetc.com for more information.
• At McDonald’s restaurants, veterans and active-duty members can enjoy a free Egg McMuffin meal, which includes a has brown and a small premium roast coffee. A valid military ID is required.
Around town
• A new Chipotle Mexican Grill will open Monday at 5770 Coventry Lane, and it will feature a drive-thru lane that will allow guests to pick up digital orders. The restaurant will be open 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can choose from a variety of options, including the latest limited-time protein offering. The smoked brisket is seasoned with smoked serrano and chipotle chili peppers.
• Scooter’s Coffee has its first Fort Wayne location planned for 5233 Coldwater Road, according to an Allen County planning permit. Other locations are in Decatur, Kendallville, Bluffton, Wabash and Warsaw.
• The Coffee Club clubhouse, 315 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, is closing its doors for good at the end of business Sunday. The business’s mobile coffee carts, bottled latte deliveries, wholesale partnerships and already scheduled events will continue, according to a social media post. The owners also hope to make the clubhouse available for private rentals and gatherings.
• The Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake is back in time for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving celebrations at Nothing Bundt Cakes, through Nov. 29. The cake is available in all bundt cake sizes and is topped with the signature cream cheese frosting. Go to NothingBundtCakes.com for more information.
The Dish features restaurant news and food events on Wednesdays. Email thedish@jg.net at least two weeks before event or desired publication.
Dining and Cooking