Meet Anthony Arra | UKA Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Arra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
UKA serves as a cultural ambassador by introducing Authentic Kaiseki and traditions to our guests. We provide an immersive experience that helps broaden people’s horizons and foster cultural understanding. We think it is important to contribute to a more interconnected and tolerant world.

Also I must stress the importance of creating memorable and enjoyable experiences for our guests. Our restaurant provides a sanctuary for people to celebrate special occasions, bond with friends and family, or simply escape from the stresses of everyday life. By fostering happiness and connections, we indirectly contribute to a more harmonious world.

UKA also be a source of inspiration for culinary enthusiasts, aspiring chefs, and even other businesses. We are thoroughly Traditional in method of preparation and standards. But we strive to influence a modern service style that sparks conversation and education with our ingredients, earthenware, environment, 5 senses, and of course our Master Chef!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Originally from Northern New Jersey I was surrounded by Italian American culture. I grew up rolling pasta, making home-made meatballs, and enjoying a day of food and family every Sunday. Food was a way of life for me, it’s what got the family together, and kept us back for seconds. I used my passion for food and my joy for being surrounded by others who love food got me into the restaurant industry as soon as I was old enough for work. It didn’t take long for my superiors to note my hard work and passion, allowing me to become a manager of my first restaurant while under the age of 25 years old. Passion for food and drink accompanied a deeper understanding of travel and culture, which lead me to quit management so I can pursue travel more regularly. I found being able to bartend, serve, and manage was an invaluable skill set that I can take anywhere as long as there is a city. After traveling along the east coast for several years, living in several states, and almost “retiring” in Florida, I decided it was time to check out the west coast and pursue my passions out here. I found myself wanting to create a more permanent home for myself as I grew older and found a “home” in California. Along the way, UKA found me, and here we are today!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wat Dong Moon Lek is a Thai restaurant in Los Feliz that really captured my attention. Classic Thai dishes served in a hip Thai joint inside a little strip mall surrounded by unassuming neighbors.

But I’d take my guests towards Malibu or Big Bear lake so they can take in fresh air outside of the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to all my predecessors as well as everyone in the restaurant industry. I’ve always emphasized how this industry is full of variables, and if it were not for all the friends, colleagues, and coworkers; I wouldn’t know how to handle the day to day emotions of this industry. I’m thankful for the day to day strife that everyone continues to put in.

Website: https://www.exploretock.com/uka

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