He’s the Light Group’s in-house sensei of sushi; and his name is Akira Back – you’ve probably eaten the delicacies served at his hopping joint, Yellowtail, at Bellagio (if you haven’t, you should).

Well, now Back has gone and opened KUMI Japanese Restaurant + Bar, at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino; and I’ve gotta say – I hate to play favorites, but I like this one even better.

Maybe it’s that I’ve gotten old(er), or maybe it’s just that I’ve finally turned into my Dad (heaven forbid); but more and more I find myself enjoying the niceties of socializing with my tablemates (when I’m not being anti-social due to the obligations of social media), and as such, prefer it when the music adds to the ambiance rather than being the restaurant’s raison d’être. This holds true even when I’m the one programming the music, but more on that, later.

And the décor? I’m so glad you asked… The space (formerly the futuristic Asian eatery, China Grill) has been transformed, so that eating in the main dining room is akin to spending time in a flowering cherry tree that’s in full-bloom – with the abstract chandelier representing the branches of the tree and the bulbs its fruit. Down in the lounge, the booths are roomy and the chairs cushy. Everywhere, the service is friendly, and people seem to genuinely enjoy answering questions and recommending their favorites.

My faves were the Shishito Peppers (I still have yet to end-up with the “spicy” one), the Crispy Rice (taste and texture!), the Rock Shrimp Tempura (a nice buttery flavor), and those wonderful Peachy Keen cocktails (Cîroc Peach and MIO Sparkling Sake mixed with Yuzu, Peach, and Shisso) that we were ordering by the round.

Maybe KUMI is kind of like Yellowtail’s older brother (or maybe youthful uncle) – the one who used to slam vodka shots till sun-up, but now enjoys a couple fingers of Johnny Walker Blue or savoring a nice Avión Añejo and getting home at a “reasonable” hour (2ish sounds about right). Whatever… The fish is fresh and the cocktails go down smooth. What more do you want from an upscale sushi restaurant?

Long story short – Back is back! (Not that he ever left, but it was too good to pass-up.)

KUMI Japanese Restaurant + Bar
Mandalay Bay
Click HERE for info

Get into it!