Sushi Tora lands Uchi alum Ray Srisamer as executive chef

When Mara and Peter Soutiere, owners of Boulder's Tahona Tequila Bistro and a still unnamed new restaurant that will open at 1035 Pearl Street, also in Boulder, bought Sushi Tora two years ago, their biggest challenge was determining how to continue the restaurant's legacy of top-notch Japanese cuisine. "We've had...

By Laura Shunk

November 30, 2010

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When Mara and Peter Soutiere, owners of Boulder's Tahona Tequila Bistro and a still unnamed new restaurant that will open at 1035 Pearl Street, also in Boulder, bought Sushi Tora two years ago, their biggest challenge was determining how to continue the restaurant's legacy of top-notch Japanese cuisine.

"We've had to figure it out," says Mara. "But we've really had our eyes opened as far as what we can do."

As part of that ongoing process, the couple just picked up Ray Srisamer to helm the kitchen.

A native of Thailand, Srisamer once trained as a sushi chef in Japan. He came to the United States in 2002, eventually landing at Austin sushi spot Uchi under Tyson Cole, who was named one of Food & Wine magazine's best new chefs in 2005.

Uchi defines its food as contemporary Japanese cuisine, pitting untraditional flavor profiles against fresh fish and classic dishes. That's what Srisamer will bring to Boulder-based Sushi Tora, as well.

"It's a melding of traditional Japanese and matching flavors," says Mara of the new menu. "My mom likes to say tapas."

In addition to those newer items, Mara assures us that Sushi Tora will also continue to serve traditional sushi.

For more information, dial 303-444-2280.

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Laura Shunk was Westword's restaurant critic from 2010 to 2012; she's also been food editor at the Village Voice and a dining columnist in Beijing. Her toughest assignment had her drinking ten martinis and eating ten Caesar salads over the course of 48 hours. She still drinks martinis, but remains lukewarm on Caesar salads.

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