As the city of Amherst continues to flourish with dining options, tattoo artist Rob Keiuf took notice.
“I have seen a huge increase in food places in Amherst from new restaurants to food trucks, but one thing I haven’t seen is Asian food options,” Keiuf said. “I am excited to announce that I am going to change that with my new restaurant, Smoku Ramen.”
According to Keiuf, the ideas for a ramen restaurant has been in the works for many years,
Only recently, has the opportunity presented itself as space opened up in downtown Amherst.
“Two doors down from my tattoo shop, American Outlaw, 164 Park Ave., there is a storefront that has gone on the market,” Keiuf said. “And as soon as I saw their rent sign go out, I knew it was time to bring my idea to life.
“I have always been enamored by Japanese culture, and ramen is one of my favorite foods. So, the idea for a restaurant kind of fit perfectly.”
But the ties between ramen and tattooing go even further.
“There was the famous tattoo artist known as Sailor Jerry, who traveled to Japan because he wanted to learn the ways of traditional Japanese tattooing,” Keiuf said. “While there, he was also captivated by the culture and would say holy smokes to a lot of things he saw.
“Now, the Japanese didn’t know what he meant, and so when they gave him his nickname, they decided to make fun of him.”
Earning the title of Hoiri Smoku, Sailor Jerry’s christening was Keiuf’s light bulb moment.
“Hoiri means to carve and is given to woodworkers and tattooists,” Keiuf said. “And then smoku, they were making fun of his holy smokes through that name.
“But the word Smoku, also fits quite well when it comes to hot foods, like ramen, so it flows really well.”
While no open date has been announced for the shop yet, Keiuf says he is aiming for mid February but admits the designs will take some time.
“I am waiting to hear back from my architect to see if my vision can be done, but so far, it is sounding like we are a go for it,” he said. “What I am planning is, I want the experience at Smoku to be more than just about the food, but to actually bring customers into the culture and feel as well.”
Modeled after the streets of Japan where ramen commonly is made and sold, the restaurant hopes to bring a miniature scene of the country’s food scene right to Amherst, Keiuf said.
“At Smoku Ramen, we’re not just about serving delicious food from Japan; we’re all about creating an immersive experience that transports our customers straight to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, or Osaka,” he said. “Picture stepping into our restaurant and being surrounded by the sights, sounds, and of course smells of Japan’s bustling food scene.
“Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure like no other.”
Opportunities for discounts at both Smoku and American Outlaw are in the works, Keiuf said.
