A new Korean steakhouse has opened at the Sakura Novi mixed-use development in Novi. Named The Dancing Pine, the latest concept brings Wagyu dining, seafood, wines, caviar, and Korean hospitality.
The Dancing Pine Brings Korean Steakhouse to Novi
Located at 42768 Grand River Avenue, The Dancing Pine opened on June 6. The restaurant offers guests a mix of Korean barbecue traditions with modern steakhouse dining. The menu features beef and seafood dishes alongside an extensive wine list.
The restaurant includes private dining rooms for special occasions and everyday dining.
The Sakura Novi restaurant is named after the pine tree, a cultural icon in Korea. The 4,500 square-foot location incorporates mother-of-pearl accents with a sophisticated interior and other design elements that showcase Korean craftsmanship.
Founder Min Kyu Kim said the restaurant was designed to add a new dining experience to Sakura Novi. Kim said the restaurant was designed as a gathering place that blends Korean traditions with a contemporary dining experience.
Veteran Chef Shapes the Menu
The steakhouse’s culinary offerings are helmed by Executive Chef James “JJ” Jung. Jung previously held leadership roles at restaurants across the country. Jung was among the opening team members for SET Steak & Sushi at Pendry Newport Beach, Southern California. He has also worked at NOBU, Yellowtail, Rosaliné, and Lumi.
At The Dancing Pine, the chef oversees a menu featuring Japanese, Australian, and American Wagyu.
The menu includes a selection of steakhouse cuts, oysters, seafood, house-made banchan, signature sauces, seasonal accompaniments, and caviar.
Sakura Novi owner Scott Aikens described the restaurant as a flagship tenant for the mixed-use development.
The restaurant is open now. However, an official grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration is slated for later in July. The operating hours from Tuesday to Sunday are from 4:00pm to 10:00pm.
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Inside the Sakura Novi Development
As Michigan’s first mixed-use development with Asian influences, the location spans 18 acres featuring retail, restaurants, and residences. The development also includes Japanese-themed green spaces. Robert B. Aikens & Associates and Robertson Homes partnered to bring this development. They intended to offer guests the feel of the streets of Tokyo, Seoul, and Osaka.
Sakura Novi’s residential offering includes a luxury townhome community. The 176 three-story development has residences ranging from 1,331 to 1,765 square feet. Named ‘Residences at Sakura Novi,’ it has 2-3 bedrooms, 1-2 car garages, and several amenities.
A 2-acre green area called ‘Sakura Gardens’ is also a part of the mixed-use space. Highlights are Japanese-themed garden patio, cherry blossom gardens, landscaped ponds, a playground, and walking paths. The green space also has a public plaza for hosting community events.
Several culinary spots are gearing up for their launch at Sakura Novi. One of these is Sumo Japanese Grill,’ which is set to bring grilled protein, fluffy rice, stir-fry veggies, and house noodles.
Other spots at the mixed-use space, include the ‘Paris Baguette Bakery Café.’ It serves a range of European-style breads and pastries, signature cakes and desserts. Hand-crafted coffee and espresso drinks, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and light fare are served as well.
The ‘Chubby Cattle Wagyu Shabu House’ presents the community with an unlimited Wagyu experience.
‘Cloud Boba’ provides the Novi community with a trendy and classic tea menu, specialty coffee items, and signature drinks.
Sakura Novi’s retail lineup is preparing to add Klarnz Skincare, a specialty skincare location that features Korean and Asian beauty products and treatments along with expert solutions.
The existing retail outlets include Book Off, which is Japan’s leading secondhand retailer for books, toys, manga, anime merchandise, video games, and collectibles.
The retail spots also include Klawsome!, Michigan’s first standalone claw machine arcade, and Teso Life, a Japanese-inspired department store offering snacks, beauty products, home goods, kitchenware, stationery, toys, collectibles, and more.
