As handroll bars continue to proliferate across the city, the newer spots look to differentiate themselves, and an upcoming handroll bar in the East Village will be serving Edomae-style sushi in its rolls. When it opens this June at 77 E 10th St., Rollcraft Handroll Bar will serve sushi handrolls featuring fish that have been treated with soy sauce, brine, or other preservation methods. There will also be a significant Korean influence on the sushi. The opening menu highlight will include Bluefin Tuna Akami Zuke, Hiramasa Sesame Salt, and Cherry Tomato Katsuobushi handrolls.
Owner Joo Young Yang recently told What Now New York that Rollcraft is “inspired by the vibrant, fast-paced, and high-quality dining culture of New York City.”
“It was designed as an approachable extension of a chef-led omakase experience, allowing diners to enjoy expertly paced, fresh handrolls in an intimate, counter-only setting,” he wrote over email. “We try to source sustainable local/domestic fresh seafood as much as possible and prepare them using techniques inspired by Edomae sushi.”
Service will occur entirely at the handroll bar, which can accommodate 24 guests. The beverage program includes beer, wine, and sake selections that are meant to complement the subtle and rich flavors of the seafood. Guests will be able to order premium sake by the glass, some of which are only offered by the bottle at other sushi spots.
Yang noted that part of the experience at Rollcraft will be engaging with the sushi chefs as they prepare the Edomae-style rolls.
“We want guests to be entertained by the chefs, wowed by the food, and comforted by the warm atmosphere and service,” he said.
