Takuma Comes to Lincoln Place

Perhaps you've seen the modest sign at 42 Lincoln Place by the movie theater and the train tracks that advertises Takuma – a new Japanese restaurant.  Maybe you've peered in to see that it is a fairly unadorned affair: spacious for a BYOB and even more so for a sushi restaurant.

The interior's atypical appearance reflects the unique philosophy of husband and wife owners, Kazuo Otai and Ilene Otai: knowing one's patrons and paying close attention to the quality of food will make Takuma a mainstay of downtown Madison.

"I taste it all the time," Kazuo says of his sushi.  "At other Japanese restaurants, the chefs don't eat too much; it looks the same, but it tastes different."

Kazuo is native to Japan, where he learned to make traditional Japanese dishes consisting of sushi.

"I went to cooking school in Japan, and I worked in a restaurant company there," he said.

His 30 years of experience and exposure to a variety of international cuisines helped to establish the menu used at Takuma.

"They had a Chinese-style restaurant, French style, and American style," he said.  "Here, I want to make Japanese and American style sushi. (Japanese style) is classic style – only fish.  Americans like the tempura, teriyaki, and appetizers, too."

The Otais live in Morris Township, and they co-owned and operated a restaurant in Morristown before the opening of Takuma, which can be translated to "study hard."  The name is a clear representation of their work ethic, and they have already noticed some welcome differences from their move down Route 124.

"Morristown is very busy," Kazuo said.  "It's crowded.  Here it is more quiet, and I think people enjoy their food more.  They take their time and stay for a long time.  In Morristown, they eat and go."

While there is less foot traffic in the Rose City, the Otais hope to woo moviegoers, commuters from the nearby train station, and strolling residents with competitive prices and a fusion of Japanese and American dishes.

The time the Otais spent in Morristown getting to know their clientele has been valuable, as Takuma's opening has been a long time coming.

"It's always been his dream to have his own place," Ilene says of her husband as he helped to prepare a meal.  "Hopefully everyone who comes in likes the food, because we try to keep the quality up.  We're expecting local people to discover us here."

The grand opening was on Nov. 4, and Takuma has been earning fans ever since.

Other business owners might lament a location off of the main drag, but the Otais are very happy with what instantly feels like an enclave.

"It's perfect," Ilene said.  "We were surprised that the place was huge.  It's not traditional Japanese style, but it's comfortable ... cozy.  It is very good for families to come."

These families have already had active input in making the menu.

"Sometimes customers and friends ask to make up sushi rolls," Ilene said.  "If other people like it, then it stays on the menu."

For the past few weeks, "it has been a little quiet," Kazuo said.  "I'd like it to be more busy."

As the weather gets colder and people start ducking inside to get a warm meal, you might want to check out the Otais at Madison's newest restaurant, Takuma.  They'll have a new sign, too.