Royal Sushi & Izakaya’s Jesse Ito is joining forces with Bucks County native Justin Bacharach for their new restaurant, dancerobot, a Rittenhouse bar and brunch spot, writes Kiki Aranita for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Jesse and I wanted to make something unique and special, bringing in modern culinary technique and more umami,” said Bacharach.

Formerly in charge of back-of-house operations at Ito’s Royal Izakaya, Bacharach is now the co-owner and executive chef of the new establishment. For the menu, he is reworking the typically highly processed versions of Western dishes that are found in Japanese cafes and convenience stores, known as yoshoku, but elevating them using higher-quality ingredients.

Additional menu options include a strong interpretation of takoyaki, a popular street food made of octopus fritters, topped with agedashi tofu, katsuobushi, and a rich, caramelly soy sauce.

Dancerobot’s Sunday-only brunch highlights some of Bacharach’s best work, as he moves beyond a strict imitation. Now the menu is a full celebration of dough in all its forms, from shokupan to delicately prepared pancakes. The honey butter toast stands out, featuring a crisp, sugar-coated exterior that leads into its delicious soft, flaky, and buttery interior.

Read more about dancerobot and the partnership between Jesse Ito and Bucks County native Justin Bacharach in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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