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ASHEVILLE - Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse is coming together at 121 Biltmore Ave., the former Futo Buta Ramen space near the Orange Peel. The restaurant is slated to open in summer.
Ukiah s ownership described the forthcoming menu as inspired by the simplicity of Japanese soul food, with influences from American barbecue.
Ramen will reappear on that corner for the first time since Futo Buta closed, along with house-made gyozas and lighter vegetable dishes. There will be a raw bar and, on the other end of the spectrum, an array of smoked meat, such as pork belly served with a Fuji apple glaze and apple chow chow.
Asheville s food scene has always generated plenty of news, though COVID-19 seems to have accelerated a flurry of changes.
Recent closures
But first, some bad news:
High Test Deli and Sweet Shop on Coxe Avenue has closed. The restaurant served stacked roast beef and provolone sandwiches, BLTs, tuna salad sandwiches, classic Reubens, Italians and clubs.
It was one of the few places you could find a good Chicago dog, complete with tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, celery seasoning, onions and relish. The Cubans were delicious, the prices affordable.
Sad to see this excellent sandwich shop go? You re not alone. But you also have options.