Maki Celebrates 10-Year-Anniversary in Style

Boasting—and rightfully so—some of the best Japanese sushi in the Middle East, Maki has recently celebrated a notable milestone, reaching its 10 year anniversary in December.

Hosting an amalgamation of loyal customers and guests, Maki threw a lively celebration in honor of its double-digit achievement, serving up some of their classic dishes in style. Beirut.com interviewed owner Oliver Zeitoun and discussed some of the most interesting aspects of Maki’s accomplishments, creation and—of course—food.

Currently the leading contemporary Japanese fusion cuisine concepts in the Middle East—with branches in Kuwait, Lebanon, and Bahrain—Maki has thus far received food critics approval in mass amount. They’ve been nominated for and won several awards in the past decade, including best new comer by TimeOut Bahrain, Best Japanese Restaurant TimeOut Bahrain, Best Sushi Creation, Horeca Kuwait 2012, and Boeker Food Safety Award, Kuwait 2012.

Already distinct from other sushi restaurants because of it’s novelty, Maki further distinguishes itself as a fusion cuisine restaurant, serving both sushi and cooked food made from high quality ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, wild thyme, foie gras, and black truffles, among many others.

As if that wasn’t enough, Maki was the first ever restaurant to use Ipads as menus, allowing guests to shuffle through photos and choose which of the numerous dishes best appealed to their pallets. Featuring items named after honored guests and family—including Mr. Zeitoun himself—the menu provides for a refreshing spin on typical Japanese cuisine, offering stand out combinations and items, many of which were created from scratch. And if you’re wondering, Mr. Zeitoun’s favorite dish is the appropriately named Oliver Temaki™, a hand-roll of Nori, rice, seafood, veggies, and salmon roe.

Hoping to expand Maki in other areas of the Middle East, Mr. Zeitoun’s future plans focus on bringing brand new fusion recipes to the classy restaurant scene. So the next time you’re looking to sample unorthodox and exquisite dishes in a quaint atmosphere, head over to Maki for an evening you’re sure to enjoy. Healthy, delicious, classy and affordable—what more could you ask for?