First-of-Its-Kind Fusion Concept Opens Today on Westheimer

Marco Torres
First-of-Its-Kind Fusion Concept Opens Today on Westheimer

Lobster ceviche

THE LATEST ADDITION to Houston’s scene of mouthwatering, global-fusion fare opens today on Westheimer.


Located in West Houston near the Beltway, Pacha Nikkei is a first-of-its-kind concept, melding the flavors of Peru and Japan in sharable small plates and craft cocktails boasting sake and pisco alike. Helmed by chef Masaru Fukuda and operator Sebastien Laval (an alumnus of La Table, Le Colonial and Musaafer), Pacha Nikkei touts a ceviche bar, lounge area and dining room — and a killer playlist, thanks to the many years Chef Fukuda spent moonlighting as a nightclub DJ.

Fukuda, who cut his teeth at Latin Bites and Kata Robata, hosted Nikkei pop-ups all over town for the last several years, and most recently operated a Nikkei stall at the now-closed Politan Row food hall. Repeat customers came to love his seafood-heavy dishes like pulpo a la parrilla and Peruvian-spiced-infused sushi rolls.

Inside the new brick-and-mortar, sweeping murals depicting four generations of Fukuda’s family, alongside other immigrants who came to Peru from Japan, in the 1800s color the walls. An otherwise clean and simple design scheme lets the food bring all the flavor.

Serving dinner only at the moment, Pacha Nikkei opens at 4:30pm Mon.-Sat.

Chef Fukuda

El Tunche cocktail

Lomo Saltado

Ceviche classico

Food

Eric Best, Skylar Campbell, Kellen Hornbuckle and Zoe Lucich

HOUSTON BALLET'S ANNUAL Raising the Barre event — a tasting dinner in which dancers serve as both muses and sous chefs for some of Houston’s most notable chefs — took place this year at Caracol and raised more than $110,000 for the company.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Emily and Allen Capps and Ashley and Christian Nelly

AT A UNIQUE fundraiser that mixes guitar strings with heartstrings, supporters of Avondale House gathered to raise more than $345,000 to support the nonprofit’s work with individuals with autism and their families.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties