Larry Cruikshank/ViewSushi chef Andy Takayama prepares a lunch platter at Maru Sushi and Korean BBQ, 2025 Village Center Circle.
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When 2025 Village Center Circle was up for grabs, Jinny Kim couldn't resist.
"I used to live here in Summerlin and would drive past it all the time," Kim said. "So last year, when I saw it closed up, I went, 'That's mine!' "
The site, where Black Angus was formerly located, now houses Kim's eatery, Maru Sushi And Korean BBQ. The 10,000-square-foot establishment opened on Feb. 25. It seats 300-plus people, with a patio that can handle 30.
Kim immediately bought the building and set about changing it. Kim hired the design firm of Kima out of San Francisco to reinvent the interior. Designer Young Kim brought in natural light and greenery to contrast with the dark plank floor.
Dining areas are defined by glass panels, slatted partitions and river rock. The long tables feature built-in barbecue grills with a ventilator system overhead. The wait staff brings platters of marinated meats to the table, cuts them and grills them as part of the dining experience.
Andy Takayama is the sushi chef. He began his career 30 years ago, back when Las Vegas boasted only a handful of sushi places. The Korean/Japanese side of the menu is overseen by chef David Ahn.
Appetizers include haemul pajun, a seafood and green onion pancake, priced at $15.95; japchae, potato noodles stir fried with vegetables, which costs $11.95; and egg roll filled with beef and vegetables, $5.95.
On weekdays, Maru offers a Lunch Box Special for those on the go. It comes with California roll, rice, salad, miso soup and tempura items.
The Lunch Box Special has 16 choices -- most are $9.95. Choices include LA Galbi, beef ribs seasoned with soy sauce; beef teriyaki; red snapper teriyaki; stir fry beef and mushrooms, stir fry tofu and beef; and pork bulgogi.
The main menu has items starting at $15.95. There are stir fry choices like ojingeo bokkeum, which is fried squid with vegetables; Oriental steaks like deungsim sirloin; and barbecued meats, including grilled tongue, grilled seafood, as well as teriyaki items.
"I haven't run into an American yet who didn't like galbi or bulgogi," restaurant general manager Benjamin Kim said.
Melissa Magney, a sales representative, learned of the eatery when a colleague took her there for a business lunch.
"It's reasonably priced and the food is great," she said.
She brought two of her colleagues there to introduce them to it.
Maru is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.marulv.com or call 360-6278.
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