Kuro Sushi rolls into Lakewood Ranch

When dining at Kuro Sushi on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, expect to be treated like family. 

“We don’t cook to show off,” owner Daniel Dokko said. “We cook like we’re cooking for our loved ones.” 

In that same spirit, the grand opening on Nov. 20 felt like a family reunion. 

Dokko owns Kuro with his wife, Clarice, along with Anderyas and Mona Putranto. The couples also own two Jpan Sushi & Grills in Sarasota and Kore Steakhouse in Waterside at Lakewood Ranch. 

Lakewood Ranch’s Jaime Marco dines at the Jpan at University Town Center at least three times a month. 

She waved to the crowd around her on Main Street and said, “(The owners) know everyone here. They care about who you are.” 

Marco noted that the passion for food and love for their customers is tasted in every bite. She described the tuna as melting in your mouth like butter.

Part of the grand opening celebration was a tuna-cutting ceremony, in which the chefs broke down a 180-pound blue fin tuna into fillets. Afterward, the guests were served samples. 

Chef Anderyas Putranto said Kuro will only serve blue fin because it’s the highest grade of tuna. The fish come from Spain and Mexico.

Artist Joseph Koukl of Inkfish used the tuna's tail in an art demonstration. He covered the tail with ink and placed rice paper over it to make prints.

The live music was provided by Tampa Taiko, a Japanese drum band. Traditionally, Japanese drums were used to ward off evil spirits. 

“We try to bring culture (to our events),” Clarice Dokko said.