Alma Izakaya is Chef Bill Sanders’ take on an Izakaya, AKA the late night food and drink spots that stud the streets of Tokyo. For Sanders, who was formerly the chef at Newark’s Kinjo, rich ramen broths, chewy noodles, plump gyoza and fluffy bao buns are just where he feels the most comfortable. Alma pops up at various different locations.
His most recent pop-up was held at Gioia Mia in Montclair. The dinner followed a tasting menu format with several a la carte items available to add on.
And while many of the Alma Izakaya pop-ups have followed a similar format, Sanders’ next event will take a different approach. Alma Izakaya will set up shop at Diesel and Duke in Montclair for one day only on December 12. Rather than a sit-down, tasting menu environment, the focus will be on quick, counter-service bites.
Diners can expect a marriage of Japanese and Korean flavors with Americana classics at the Montclair hamburger joint. We’re talking kimchi grilled cheeses, Wagyu smash burgers, katsu curry sandos and black sesame milkshakes.
The best part? No reservations or tickets are required. Just show up between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. with a full appetite.
