What Do Jennifer Aniston, Uma Thurman and Gwyneth Paltrow Have in Common?

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What do Jennifer Aniston, UmA Thurman and Gwyneth paltrow have in common?  

On any given night, a Marvel superhero, Jennifer Aniston, or sushi connoisseur

Robert DeNiro might be in The Umi dining room in Atlanta

ATLANTA (March 2, 2018) - As Hollywood film production rapidly becomes a multi-billion dollar industry in Georgia, A-list actors increasingly need a place to unwind, relax and enjoy a premier meal. In Atlanta, that place has become Umi, Buckhead’s modern Japanese jewel box owned by Farshid Arshid and Charlie Hendon and starring the cuisine of executive chef and co-owner Fuyuhiko Ito.

“Hunger Games” actress Jennifer Lawrence routinely calls from the airport as soon as her jet hits the tarmac in Atlanta. “Avengers” Iron Man portrayer Robert Downey Jr., in town as Marvel’s highly anticipated 2018 “Avengers: Infinity War” shoots continue, is spotted at Umi so often he might soon have mail delivered there. On any given night, diners could see other “Avengers” stars like Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson or Samuel L. Jackson sitting a few feet away. Emmy winner Jennifer Aniston, Oscar winner Jane Fonda or legendary performer Sir Elton John have also been known to enjoy a meal at the restaurant that is commonly referred to as “Umiwood”.

Celebrity favorites on the menu include Chef Ito’s specialties like the aburi (slightly cooked sushi-grade fish), toban yaki (prepared on a ceramic toban grill) or omakase (chef’s selection of dishes).

For Arshid, the pairing of Hollywood A-listers and Umi’s exquisite sushi makes perfect sense.  Over the years, he’s seen firsthand how the creative industry flocks to this type of food. “Artists respond to artistry,” he says. “They respond to what Chef Ito is creating. At Umi, the stargazing is focused on the cuisine arriving at the tables.”

While Umi didn’t anticipate becoming a Hollywood hangout when it opened in 2013, the 80-table restaurant discreetly tucked away in a Buckhead courtyard has become one of the most sought-after reservations in the city thanks to low lighting, around-the-clock reservation responsiveness and VIP treatment. Arshid says he and the staff are pleased actors like Anthony Hopkins, Robert Deniro, Scott Eastwood, Zac Efron, Uma Thurman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet and so many more feel at home there.

“You don’t plan for a response like this,” says Arshid. “Umi’s success has grown organically alongside the Georgia film industry. And like any great film that’s built line-by-line and scene-by-scene, we focus on the details. No matter who you are, we’re always striving for your next meal to be your best experience at Umi.”

He adds that Hollywood’s busiest actors are able to relax and unwind at Umi. “Everyone is here for the harmony and the energy that are being created. Famous actors dine next to Atlanta business leaders and the couple who is out celebrating their anniversary. We’re all so addicted to our electronic devices these days, but Umi offers an opportunity to disconnect and be in the moment for a couple of hours, sharing a memorable meal together.”

About Umi

Named one of Open Table’s 100 Best Restaurants in America for 2017, Umi unites classic and modern Japanese flavors in a sophisticated, contemporary setting in Atlanta’s bustling Buckhead neighborhood. Designed by Atlanta artist and designer Todd Murphy, the interior is elegant, yet simple with organic, earthy elements closely reflecting the pure and clean qualities of Asian fare. Chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s menu showcases the freshest fish from the world’s finest markets and highest quality ingredients available. For more information, visit umiatlanta.com.

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