Since introducing its sushi program earlier this year, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., has quickly become a destination for Milwaukee’s sushi lovers.
At the heart of the program are intimate Omakase dinners hosted twice a month in The Dark Room, where just 14 guests are treated to a chef-curated dining experience that consistently sells out within days. The next is coming up on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
Now, Saint Kate is building on that momentum by offering larger-scale Omakase events designed to showcase the art of sushi in new ways. These experiences bring diners closer to the craft with live camera feeds of the sushi preparation projected onto big screens throughout the room.
Omakase & a movie
Omakase & A Movie, the first of these larger-format dinners is nearly sold out and will take place Monday, October 27, in honor of legendary sushi master Jiro Ono’s 100th birthday.
The very special evening begins at 5 p.m. in the Arc Theatre with a screening of the acclaimed 2011 documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” Following the film, guests will move seamlessly into a 20-course Omakase dinner prepared by Saint Kate Sushi Chef Tou Vang at 6:30 p.m. Cameras will spotlight Chef Vang’s process, allowing every guest to experience the artistry up close.
Executive Chef Heskeith Flavien says the events balance tradition with innovation.
“Our Omakase experiences have a modern twist because of where we host them,” Flavien explains. “The Dark Room and now the Arc Theatre are unique venues that showcase the art of sushi making in new ways. Otherwise, it is very traditional, with a chef-curated dinner using the highest-quality seasonal ingredients.”
The October 27 dinner will also feature nods to Jiro’s most famous dishes, including his slow-simmered, 45-minute marinated octopus and a three-piece tuna flight.
Tickets for Omakase & a Movie: A 100th Birthday Tribute to Jiro Ono on Oct. 27 are $175 per person and available online.
Sushi as art
Beyond special events, sushi has become an integral part of The Studio’s menu at Saint Kate. The offerings are a reflection of the hotel’s dedication to blending culinary creativity with its artistic identity.
“Sushi plays on The Studio’s vibe of being boldly social and expressive while celebrating the culinary arts,” Flavien notes.
For those unable to secure a seat at the Jiro Ono tribute, Saint Kate will continue its twice-monthly Omakase dinners in The Dark Room and plans to host additional large-format sushi events throughout the year.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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