Sushi lovers and fans of “The Walking Dead” have something to get excited about as Rukaa, a new upscale Japanese restaurant, lands along U.S. Highway 74 in Peachtree City. Opened Dec. 2 and owned by partners Chef Alvin Dayrit, a sushi chef with more than 25 years of experience, and Michael Rooker, of The Walking Dead and Guardians of the Galaxy fame.
Rukaa is the vision of Chef Alvin and Michael, who have known each other for over 15 years. The two first met during the early days of “The Walking Dead”, where Rooker played fan-favorite, Merle Dixon. A longtime admirer of Japanese culture and cuisine, Michael has followed Chef Alvin’s culinary journey, “hunt[ing] him down,” as he moved from one location to another. “You know what? You radiate to people with talent, and this man has some great talent, and he’s really good with people.”
With sushi as the centerpiece, Rukaa also offers a full kitchen with the ability to grill meats, steak, fish, salmon, and other popular favorites like pork belly. Chef Alvin and Michael’s favorites encompass sea urchin or ‘Uni’, yellow tail, and blue fin tuna in either the nigiri or sashimi form.
Best sellers are the crispy spicy tuna, crispy pork belly, ramen and WTF or “What the Fish.” The WTF is a fried oyster and asparagus roll topped with diced spicy tuna, originating from a request Chef Alvin received from Trilith studios during the filming of Ant Man. The team asked Chef Alvin to make something spicy with the first bite response being an expletive of excitement—the dish was dubbed ‘What the Fish’ when it landed on the menu.
Once the state liquor license is finalized, guests can expect sake, Japanese whisky, Japanese IPAs, and a full bar.
Patrons should not be surprised to see Michael running around the restaurant. “[M]ost actors don’t run food, and most actors run food before they’re famous. I do it after. I do everything opposite,” quips Michael.
The “Rukaa” name holds meaning for Michael, as it comes from the Japanese pronunciation of his own last name—often used in the Dojo he frequents—and is associated with “power,” says Michael, “and excellence,” says Chef Alvin.
Chef Alvin brings more than 25 years of experience to the kitchen, having started his sushi career at the age of 19 in Miami. Not formally trained in culinary school, his expertise was shaped through years of working alongside Japanese chefs, learning through observation and repetition. “What he brings to the picture is indispensable… someone who knows his business and is very good at it,” says Michael. “I’m his fan.”
“And I’m his fan,” Chef Alvin adds.
Michael and Alvin say that the Peachtree City location “…was a no brainer… I love the idea of offering authentic Japanese cuisine to this community, and making people happy.” The duo are thankful for “[t]he love and support that we’ve gotten from the city.”
They send out a special thanks to “our [interior] designer, Gina,” of Dogwood Design Gallery.
Find them at 361 GA-74 Suite 102, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 and keep up with their happenings on Facebook or Instagram.
