by David Chapman
Staff Writer
John Lee might be the most unique chef Downtown.
As chef and owner of the Koja Sushi at the Landing since its opening in 2005, Lee has prepared Japanese and Korean dishes for the family-owned and operated restaurant.
“I’ve been making these dishes for over 20 years,” said Lee. “I love preparing these dishes.”
Everyone has their favorites, too.
Chicken teriyaki is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes; so much to the point that Lee believes his restaurant sells more chicken than any other Japanese restaurant in Jacksonville.
But the chef’s favorite dish?
“I’m Korean,” said Lee. “So of course it’s going to be the Kim Chee Soup (a spicy Korean soup made with vegetables).”
Lee and his staff of a dozen arrive around 9:30 each morning to begin food preparations and restaurant cleaning, with Lee usually calling it a night around 11 p.m.
Lunch is the most popular meal, he said, with Downtown workers and visitors making up his customer base.
True to the name, Koja Sushi also makes plenty of sushi during the day – as many as 250–300 freshly made rolls a day.
“Being here has been great,” said Lee. “It’s an ideal location and we’re happy to have some great customers.”
For more information on Koja Sushi, call 350-9911 or go to www.kojasushi.com.
356-2466