Joon Kim

Joon Kim immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea more than 20 years ago and began working as a chef in several different Chinese restaurants here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He met the woman who became his wife here, who is also from South Korea. After owning a couple of Chinese restaurants over the years, they tired of the food and wanted to serve something healthier. So about 10 years ago, they opened the Akasaka Sushi Restaurant, serving Korean and Japanese food. They are the staff.

The restaurant has a fine reputation and is noted for the quality of its sushi. Although located in a small strip mall about 25 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, the place has a loyal following that has allowed them to stay in business while so many others have closed.

Today I had a taste for Bi Bim Bop and this is the only place I know in town that makes it ( it's beautiful to look at and even better to eat). While I was waiting, I asked if I could take a picture of him. He was working on a sushi platter for another customer and readily agreed but would not look up. He wanted me to focus on the food, and, after all, I guess that is what it is all about.