Mina’s World

Michael Mina is a James Beard Award wining celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author who captured the hearts of all San Francisco foodies back in 1991, when he got the biggest break of his young career while cooking at Aqua. Many years later when he walked away from the restaurant, he formed his own company the Mina Group, with over 17 restaurants than span from San Francisco to Miami. He has built his company’s success on paying attention to details that contribute to the best dining experience he can provide. On a busy night, the Mina Group will serve abut 3,500 people at all of its restaurants and as of July 1, San Francisco is home to his latest venture Pabu- and The Ramen Bar- located in a 10,000 square- foot space in the city’s financial district.

Pabu is a modern take on traditional Izakaya-style dining where chef Ken Tominaga of the famed Hana Japanese restaurant in Sonoma County has partnered with Mina. The 76-seat dining room includes a stunning bar area that seats 114 guests, a private dining area separated from the restaurant by up-lit Shoji screens, and a semi-private patio dining area. The Ramen Bar, a smaller and more casual space, serves up Tokyo-style Ramen but it is at Pabu where rustic, old world Japanese charm mixed with urban sophistication makes for a dynamic social dining experience that showcases seasonal small plates, traditionally grilled items from the robata, and composed entrees. Designed by Bishop Pass, Pabu is inspired by the elements of air and earth…and really amazing sushi. www.pabuizakaya.com  www.michaelmina.net