A guest shift by Mizunara's Masahiko Endo and Massimo Petovello kicks off the proceedings for this new addition to the bar scene
Having quietly converted Hongkongers to the precise and tradition-steeped Japanese art of cocktail making since opening in 2015, Mizunara: The Library is expanding within Wan Chai with the opening of Kuromaru, a new music and cocktail lounge that combines the Mizunara approach with an enviable vinyl library.
Meaning "black circle" in Japanese, Kuromaru launches at Japanese-Western dining concept Maison Meiji, which itself can be found inside Grade II historic building M7 (formerly 7 Mallory Street) in Wan Chai. The cocktail menu is centred around shochu and awamori, two of Japan's native spirit categories that are increasingly coming out from the shadow of sake to find their own foothold in Hong Kong's drinking culture, thanks to the efforts of early proponents like Awa Awa and The Aubrey. At Kuromaru, shochu labels like Daiyame 40 and The Hachi Shochu will be represented, alongside the expressions of many other craft distilleries from across Japan.
See more: Through The Stirring Glass: Arlene Wong Dreams of Awamori
The bar itself takes inspiration from the Meiji Restoration, a historical period spanning the latter half of the 19th century that saw Japan shed its isolationist past to embrace Western culture, resulting in a fusion of aesthetics that remains singularly distinct to this day. Lining the walls is a library of rare and sought-after vinyl records curated by Michael Ho, aka Mr. Ho. Ranging from jazz to rock and even pop, Kuromaru borrows from the tradition of Japan's underground listening bars where music appreciation reigns supreme.
To kick off the opening, Kuromaru is welcoming Mizunara's Masahiko Endo and Massimo Petovello for a special guest shift that will see the duo shaking up cocktails from January 27 to 29, 12pm to 6pm. Guests of the soft opening will also be able to preview a number of Japanese dishes prepared by chef Yusuke Kitade, including his takes on karaage, mentaiko pasta, and wagyu steak hamburgers.
Kuromaru, 1/F, 7 Mallory Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
NOW READ
Renowned Mixologist Devender Sehgal On Leading The Aubrey's Bar Programme
These Alcohol Delivery Services In Hong Kong Will Bring The Bar To You
Yaichi Kura, a Japanese Dining Destination in Kennedy Town, Opens with Four New Concepts