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The Kizaki brothers, who own and operate Sushi Denver, Izakaya Den, and the recently relaunched Ototo, have always been about improving, tweaking, re-working details and experiences into better ones. They moved Izakaya Den from its original location and built a stunning environment around the new space; they waited to find the right format to bring back Ototo last year and are offering a unique experience at the small restaurant; and now they added a new privately funded garage to serve their guests.
During the third week of June, some 200 new parking spaces will be available for restaurant guests, employees, and local businesses leasing dedicated spaces. The old and dense neighborhood has been plagued with congestion and street parking issues for years and Toshi and Yasu Kizaki took it upon themselves to change that paradigm.
To celebration the new addition, the Kizakis are throwing a Summer Rooftop Party and they are going all out. On Tuesday, June 28 and Wednesday, June 29, from 5 to 10 p.m., six guest chefs from Japan will prepare authentic ramen noodles for guests. Sushi rolls, Japanese barbecue, and specialty Japanese sake and beer stations will be available throughout the rooftop of the garage directly across the street from Ototo.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to earthquake relief agencies in Kumamoto assisting the victims affected by the April 2016 earthquakes. Kumamoto is the Kizaki’s hometown, and located on Kyushu the southern most island in Japan. Kumamoto was at the epicenter and heavily damaged with many heritage sites and national monuments destroyed. Additional funds will be donated to restoration repair efforts of Kumamoto Castle, built in 1467.
Tickets are $55 per person and can be purchased online.