From Aburi Restaurants Canada…
Combining traditional Japanese flame-searing with the decadence of French cuisine, a brand new global culinary style was created in Canada. With a freshly unique style of cuisine in mind, Nakamura set out to introduce Ningenmi and the idea of Omotenashi (traditional Japanese service) in the western world.
Taking aim at the restaurant industry’s norms, Aburi Restaurants Canada has created a North American hospitality corporation that nurtures stakeholder talent and encourages growth, ideation, and accountability for business results.
Since its inception, in 2008, Miku Vancouver has been changing and leading the Vancouver culinary scene, winning over global culinarians and creating an extremely loyal brand following and identity for 12 years.
In 2015 the company set sights on the East Coast for the next phase of Canadian expansion. A strategic multi-brand strategy, per geographical market, has brought Canada’s largest city, Toronto, four highly profitable venues, including Miku, Minami, Aburi Tora, and Aburi Hana.
Aburi Restaurants Canada now owns and operates seven hospitality properties in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario.
…To Aburi To-Go
In 2020, following guests’ demand in having a diverse and culinary-rich kitchen at home, our founder Seigo Nakamura envisioned a new future for Aburi Restaurants Canada that led to the conceptualization our first Aburi To-Go location located in the lively Yaletown neighbourhood of Vancouver.
Situated conveniently next to Minami Restaurant, Aburi To-Go offers house-made grab-n-go and grocery offerings, including finish-at-home meal kits, ready-to-eat bento and bowls, savoury Souzai Shojin appetizers, house-made delectable Japanese desserts and pastries, exclusive cooking sauces, imported snacks, and more.
As we continue to provide an authentic Japanese-West Coast experience, we strive to follow our founding values:
Sustainability
Our Aburi vision for sustainability can be observed through our minimalist packaging, sourced locally to promote the city’s eco-conscious initiative.
Ocean Wise
Aburi To-Go, alongside Minami Restaurant, is proud to be an active member of Ocean Wise. This conservation program, administered by the Vancouver Aquarium, recognizes restaurants supporting sustainable seafood choices and fishing practices. Menu items featuring seafood recommended by the program receive the Ocean Wise logo, which is recognized by diners all across Canada. At Aburi To-Go, we firmly believe in the importance of empowering our consumers to have the option of making sustainable meal choices. For program details, visit www.oceanwise.ca.
Japanese Artistry: Hideki Kimura
Kyoto-born Hideki Kimura is a visionary artist bursting with unlimited passion. With over 85 works under his belt displayed globally in Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, and more, Hideki is a world-renowned, sought-after muralist. The Japanese government has even commissioned kimura for post-tsunami recovery campaigns to boost the country’s tourism. Before his painting career, Kimura was a successful concert producer who launched many legendary Japanese rock acts. His love and knowledge for music can be easily visualized and felt through the organic and fluid nature of his painted imagery.
When owner and CEO Seigo Nakamura first came upon Kimura’s work, he immediately knew that he wanted to bring one of his murals to life in his restaurants. Flying him over from Japan, Hideki and his small team spent nine days in Vancouver to paint on several feature walls at Minami Restaurant. His stunning, whimsical imagery of “Dancing Ise Lobsters” can be seen immortalized on one of the walls at Aburi To-Go.
Our storefront’s interior design also reflects Aburi’s visual approach to combining artistic tradition with modern innovation. Natural elements of exposed brick complement the Japanese imagery of artist Hideki Kimura’s beautiful “Dancing Ise Lobsters” mural. Tradition is juxtaposed with the modern artistry of locally-crafted neon signage with the message, “A Beautiful Wave” - the elegant English translation of “Minami” and namesake of owner and CEO Seigo Nakamura’s second daughter.
Ningenmi / Product Consultation
Following our cultural ethos of Ningenmi, we at Aburi To-Go strive to provide the highest level of sincere, warm service to our guests. Our trained product specialists are ready to assist you with any questions and consultations to complete your next Aburi meal experience at home.
