Kusaki plants a tree for every check, so guests can indulge in menu items while saving the planet. (photo courtesy of Kusaki)

Every day is Earth Day at Kusaki – an innovative plantbased omakase bar and sushi restaurant. For every check generated, Kusaki (“plant” in Japanese) plants one tree, via One Tree Planted. In addition, Kusaki recently became a signatory of the Plant Based Treaty, a global coalition calling for the end of animal agriculture and new deforestation.

As a plant-based restaurant, Kusaki strives to use local ingredients, grown at area farms to reduce its carbon footprint, with the goal of being zero-waste (trying to use every part of everything brought into the kitchen). According to Kusaki head chef and owner-operator, Pearl Steffie, the inspiration behind Kusaki was to create a dining experience where one could enjoy high-end sushi at the omakase bar or à la carte that tastes like “real” sushi, without using animal products, a major contributor to greenhouse emissions. Everything served is 100% plant-based, organic and non-GMO.

“Our objective is not to be known as a vegan sushi restaurant, but as a restaurant that serves some of the most amazing sushi in the world that just happens to be vegan,” Steffie said. “We would also like to be known as a business that is passionate about sustainability, being eco-conscious and giving back to the planet in every way possible.”

For information, visit kusakila.com or call/text (424)398-9178. Kusaki is open 5- 10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and is located at 2535 S. Barrington Ave.