Friday Food Insider: Founder of two Japanese restaurants in Portland to open another this fall

Photo / Courtesy Reveler Development Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market at the Armature is located at 52 Hanover St. in Portland.

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By Alexis Wells

The founder of two Portland restaurants plans to open a third this fall along with an adjacent food market in the city’s Bayside neighborhood.

Masahiko Miyake, who has since sold the restaurants Miyake and Pai Men Miyake, plans to launch Aomori in the Armature, a 171-unit apartment complex at 52 Hanover St. in Portland, according to the building's owner, Reveler Development.

For the new venture, Miyake will collaborate with his son, Reo Miyake, and Reo's partner, Helen Carter.

The restaurant, named for the Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan, will offer dishes inspired by the region.

“Our goal for Aomori restaurant is to bring Japanese soul food to Portland while incorporating local Maine ingredients,” Reo Miyake said in Reveler's news release. “Our menu will include a selection of small plates inspired by classic izakaya dishes and Japanese home-cooked meals we grew up on."

Miyake will also open Aomori Kitchen + Market in an adjacent space. It is inspired by Japan's “conbini” culture, which involves convenience stores peddling fresh, high-quality daily necessities.

The market will feature ready-to-go meals, hot and cold food, drinks and fresh pastries and desserts. Customers can either sit down or grab meals on the go.

"We know that Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market will become important anchors within Hanover Works, West Bayside, and the greater Portland area," said John Laliberte, CEO of Reveler Development.

The restaurant and market will join the mix of neighborhood restaurants, including Wilson County Barbecue, Batson River, Bar Publica, Argenta Brewing and Hank & Artie's, a pop-up smashburger business slated to open in May.

What's new on your plate?

What new restaurants in other parts of the state should be on our radar? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.