GUSTO [Restaurant Profile] Cultural Fusion Jim Hsieh blends together Western and Asian tastes in his San Ramon Miraku Japanese cuisine restaurant. Miraku, means "enjoy food and/or atmosphere," which captures the intention and essence of the place. April 2007

Andrea Stuart

Jim Hsieh envisioned opening a restaurant one day that would embody the definition of enjoyment. Miraku Japanese Cuisine has certainly lived up to Jim's expectations. The restaurant celebrated its 15th Anniversary just a few months ago with some of its most prominent regulars such as, Arlen Ness and Jerry Merrill.

Jim named the restaurant Miraku because the word translates to "enjoy food and/or atmosphere." A name like this gives Jim something to live up to. And from the moment you step into the entry of Miraku you will know that this is not an ordinary Japanese restaurant.

Upon entering you will be greeted by the stunning flair of the ambiance. Large four and five foot curved vases are strategically placed in the center aisle with delicate white orchids. An Arlen Ness motorcycle sits nobly near a front corner of the restaurant, also inviting admiring stares from visitors.

The crimson and indigo ceiling is illuminated by hanging lights, of which each one emits a different color. The tables are set with flowered napkins which are tucked inside of water glasses. The sushi bar invites diners to observe the highly trained chefs artfully preparing an assortment of sushi.

Western influences prompted Jim to create a quintessential marriage of cultures at Miraku. Combining the chaste elegance of traditional sushi with a disparate assemblage of French-style sauces and spices provides customers with unparalleled experiences. Although Miraku offers plenty of cooked dishes such as, beef teriyaki, ribeye steak, and various tempura dinners, it is best known for its sushi menu. Chef Yamamoto specializes in Kansai style sushi, which originated in Osaka. These dishes tend to carry a lighter flavor and more modest character. They illustrate the sweet simplicity of traditional sushi and sashimi. My taste buds were tantalized by the red snapper sashimi.

Meanwhile, Chef Matsushita specializes in Kanto style sushi, which originated in Tokyo. These combine Japanese and Western essences. They embody a zesty combination of flavors exibited by colorful sauces and spices. Jumbo scallops flown in from Japan are larger than normal varieties yet possess a tenderness that is on par with a rare prime grade angus steak. Prepared tempura style and topped with sweet and tangy sauce, the scallops literally melt on your tongue.

On many days you will also find Jim behind the sushi bar creating some of the restaurant's most original specialties. He has 15 years of experience making sushi and has created one-of-a-kind creations for special occasions. My family has been a permanent fixture at Miraku for years and The Shania Roll, featured in this article, was created in honor of one of my neices, Shania Stuart, for her first birthday.

"I really like to celebrate with my friends at the restaurant by making things special just for them," Jim boasts with an ear-to-ear grin on his face. "When I get to know some of my customers really well I can show my appreciation for them this way." Aesthetically appealing sushi boat platters compliment the ornamentation around the dining room. Whether you prefer sushi nigiri, sashimi, hand rolls, traditional sushi rolls (hosomaki), or tempura, there is a dish for everyone's tastes. Phillip Hsieh, the General Manager and son of Jim Hsieh, explained that hosomaki rolls that are [typically] filled with tuna are known in Japan as Tekkamaki. It was served to gamblers in Japan as a finger food so that they could continue to gamble while they ate. Although they don't have gambling at Miraku, the rolls retain their popularity.

Holidays and special occasions are an entertaining treat at Miraku. Phillip explained that they celebrate many occasions through a ritual called Kagamiwari. This tradition features the act of breaking a circular lid on a sake cask with a wooden mallet. The celebration is usually reserved for major events such as anniversaries, weddings, the New Year, and the opening of new businesses; however, Jim will occasionally celebrate a customer's milestone birthday in this fashion in order to show his appreciation for their business and friendship.

Jim does everything he can to promote and support the local artists. The walls of his restaurant serve as a gallery for local artists and are often adorned with various forms of art. Diners may currently enjoy their meals while gazing at photographs by Roger L. Johnson of Yosemite and other landscapes hanging on Miraku's walls.

Every few months diners are also fortunate enough to experience live jazz compositions by musicians such as, Louie Moon, Sam Lee, and Victoria Chen.

"My customers are always surprised by the new food and entertainment that we have here at the restaurant. I want to give them new reasons to come back," Jim stated.

So, no matter what kind of sushi experience you are looking for, Miraku will tantalize all your senses.

Miraku Japanese Cuisine
2416 San Ramon Valley Blvd.
San Ramon, 925-820-8107