Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's first-ever hand roll concept is coming to Dumbo

To this day, Masaharu Morimoto remembers the sushi restaurant that started it all. Growing up in Hiroshima, Morimoto’s father would treat his family to a monthly sushi outing. While his family life wasn’t the best—he grew up poor and his parents often fought—for their monthly visit, peace would be had at the table. And while at the table, a young Morimoto became fascinated with the chefs behind the sushi counter, entranced by their precision and mastery. Adding on to his childhood dream of becoming a baseball player, he put sushi chef to the list. 

It's clear Morimoto has made good on his aspirations. With a career that spans appearances on “Iron Chef” and “Iron Chef America,” a James Beard nominee and cookbook author, Morimoto has become one of the world’s most renowned chefs and a pioneer of Japanese cuisine. Even with his 70th birthday coming up next year, the chef is still going strong, currently overseeing 23 restaurants around the world. Now, Morimoto is taking on a new challenge and it is all happening in Brooklyn.  

Opening on December 17, Morimoto is introducing his first-ever hand roll concept to Time Out Market. Named Mori Mori, the sushi counter will share traditional takes alongside rolls inspired by Morimoto's tenured career. 

“I am so excited to introduce Mori Mori to Time Out Market in Brooklyn,” said chef Morimoto. “This new concept allows me to share the essence of Japanese cuisine and culture, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients and vibrant flavors in a fun and approachable setting. I can’t wait for guests to enjoy the bold flavors we’ll be serving”

While guests are always welcome to order from their table, the most coveted spot will be right at the counter. There, guests can be served rolls straight from the chef’s hands. Starters begin with shareable Edamame and a Seaweed Salad. Morimoto’s love of miso soup is apparent here, with a machine dedicated to the stuff sitting right on the counter. With one push of the button, a bowl of hot miso soup with tofu and scallions can be hot and ready. 

The menu is further broken down into three ‘Sets,’ which include three or four hand rolls depending on your level of hunger. The Signature Set includes rolls of spicy tuna, aburi spicy salmon and spicy yellowtail, while the Premium Set includes toro, lobster aburi and scallop. Veggie eaters can also find their fill with riffs on Korean gimbap and rolls filled with ume (plum paste) and kinpira gobo (braised burdock root). 

But don’t fill up just yet, Morimoto’s a la carte menu of temaki is just as exciting. With its shredded beef, cheese, scallion and jalapeño, The Brooklyn Bridge Cheesesteak nods to Morimoto’s first restaurant in Philly and his home base in NYC. A take on one of New York’s most iconic foods, The Brooklyn Cheese Dog rolls up relish, onion, cheese and, of course, a hot dog. What could be more New York than that?