Wafu to Transition into Full-Time Seafood Restaurant

Image of Wafu by EPDX

A major concept shift is underway at SE Division's ramen spot Wafu. The Oregonian breaks the news that chef Trent Pierce — who opened his "backroom" haute seafood spot Roe last autumn to much acclaim — will soon scrap Wafu entirely, in favor of opening an as-yet-unnamed, all-seafood restaurant in the front space, modeled after LA hotspot Son of a Gun and Pierce's longstanding family roots in Oregon. Per the O's Michael Russell, the space will undergo an aesthetic makeover:

A construction crew will add an oyster-shucking station to Wafu's cocktail bar. The Japanese movie posters and the projector beaming old Godzilla movies onto a front wall will come down. Fresh paint and new mirrors will go up. Wafu will be a memory.

Pierce plans for a casual menu featuring simple, often-raw preparations for "$8 to $16 a plate" — with the transition slated to start in a couple weeks. According to a rep, recent Wafu kitchen addition Daniel Mondok remains on board, and the backroom Roe will remain open, with an extended day of service. More as it becomes available.
· Trent Pierce Scuttling Wafu in Favor of New, Boisterous Seafood Spot [OregonLive]
· All Previous Wafu Coverage [Eater PDX]
· All Previous Trent Pierce Coverage [Eater PDX]