Here's a Sneak Peek of the Upcoming Uchi Dallas Menu

Austin-born Japanese sensation Uchi is slated to arrive in Dallas later this spring, and the restaurant group led by James Beard-award winning chef Tyson Cole is doing everything in its power to ensure that the local restaurant community welcomes them with open arms. In a smartly calculated — and rather unprecedented — move, Uchi hosted two nights of pop-up dinners, inviting not just the usual media but practically every hot chef in town to get acquainted with its staff as well as its food.

Getting excited! #regram @jrborges81

A photo posted by Uchi Dallas (@uchidallas) on Apr 13, 2015 at 8:20am PDT

The pop-ups were held at the former Monkey Bar space in Exposition Park:

A photo posted by catherinedownes (@catherinedownes) on Apr 13, 2015 at 4:17pm PDT

Uchi also called upon local talent to provide the cocktails: Black Swan Saloon's Gabe Sanchez led a team that also included ice wizard and Remedy beverage director Máté Hartai and Emily Perkins (now a rep for Rémy Cointreau, she also designed the drink program at Truck Yard).

An Umeboshi (salted plum) Collins with shiso leaf:

A photo posted by Gabe Sanchez (@blackswansaloon) on Apr 13, 2015 at 9:29pm PDT

Chef de cuisine Junior Borges led his kitchen army through several courses to give guests a sneak peek at the Uchi experience:

Hamachi with chili and orange:

A photo posted by Daniel Rodrigue (@danieltrodrigue) on Apr 13, 2015 at 5:20pm PDT

Several types of alliums with country ham and chickpea panisse:

A photo posted by Jeff Gregory (@booyavino) on Apr 13, 2015 at 5:43pm PDT

Uchi is slated to open at 2817 Maple Avenue later this spring; the restaurant group also has plans to launch a second, brand-new bar/restaurant concept upstairs. Stay tuned for further details (and a more concrete opening date, hopefully).