Description:
"OTANI" means "Great Falls" in Japanese and it
has been
the inspiration behind the second high-energy restaurant
since 1996. From 2006 the owner, John Yamasa, Japanese Korean, an
energetic man who has been operating several bar, restaurant
and so on, has been changing plenty of things in
OTANI. The friendly
staff greets customers by name, usually by the second visit.
Décor: OTANI THE FRONT GATE is created for good luck to everyone
and will give you the double that you've been wishing. All
around the wall interior features organic sienna and deep
warming walls with your honesty. The high rised bar and
sushi bar in the front
Cuisine: Described as “unique Japanese-American Steak with soul”
cuisine, Owner-proprietor John and Manager-proprietor
previous executive Chef J.J. take advantage
of the “astonishing array of fresh produce and fish
available in D.C.” John brings inspiration from
his former Japanese home which he describes as the “California
of Asia” since it is also a peninsula rich in fish,
seafood and fresh produce. This is reflected in the healthy,
artistic sushi and Pan-Asian meat, seafood and vegetable dishes
created by John with Manager J.J. , which feature
Japanese ingredients in sushi and original dishes with Japanese,
Korean, Italian and American touches.
Specialties of the Bar
The bar menu includes sake, the affordable, smooth but a strong
Japanese drink known as an Asian wine (approximately 12%
alcohol) and a varity of Japanese beer as well, a full array of western wine and
American beers.
Bios...
John Yamasa Lim is the highly energetic
creator of OTANI Japanese Restaurant. The Chantilly location
has been highly acclaimed by critics and
the community for their affordable award-winning cuisine and
lively hospitality since their openings in 1996. John’s family ownes and operates a number of highly successful
restaurants in Northern Virginia, John has researched
dining fare throughout Asia before coming to the United States
in 1988. John’s discovery in Virginia of “the
most amazingly fresh ingredients available year-around play
into our healthy Japanese-based Hibachi and sushi dishes.”
John’s
fun-loving enthusiasm as host and menu designer is boundless,
proven by his honors as a “Mover and Shaker” by
the downtown D.C. community, and the “best hibachi,”
“best hot spot” and “best sushi” restaurant
awards for OTANI.
Manager & Executive Chef, J.J. Yoshi
Lee
The son of one of Korea’s most
well-respected garden architects, Hyun Lee, Captain J.J. brings to
the OTANI kitchen his passion and artistic talent for originality
and flavor balance, along with his meticulous sense of detail
from his academic background as an engineer. J.J. learned
how to please the most discriminating palate while cooking
for teaching English as the second language in college in Korea. Chef J.J. plays a
major role in creating the exquisite OTANI dishes with
John to match the vibrant design concept of OTANI.
Chantilly
OTANI
Our dress is casual. We welcome you in a tuxedo, jeans, a business suit, shorts or a cocktail dress.
We accept cash, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.
