Big-Box Asian Restaurant Japonais Calls it Quits

Recently, a tipster reported to Eater that 18th Street Asian behemoth Japonais was closing. Today, the restaurant confirms that this Sunday will be their last day, after five years in business. This news is not entirely surprising: since day one, critics griped that it was a Nobu knock-off, in a city that already had a lot of other lounge-like, pricey eateries serving sushi and Asian-fusion cuisine. Adam Platt had a dreadful time there in 2006, and Frank Bruni awarded it one star, but noted that his meals were "usually herky-jerky affairs, veering quickly from elation to exasperation and undercut by odd pacing and off-key service."

No word yet on what will become of the space, but the staff member we spoke to said the team probably won't try another concept at that location. There are still Japonais outposts in Las Vegas and Chicago.
· All Japonais Coverage [~ENY~]
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