New Koto a feast for the senses

When chef-owner Derek Chang made the leap earlier this year from his long-established College Drive location to a more spacious 8,600-square-feet restaurant near Barnes & Noble in CitiPlace, a few questions lingered among the many fans who have been attracted to his intricately-styled “Cajun sushi” creations. But most Koto regulars simply did not want anything, including a new location, messing with the mojo of their favorite fresh, raw goodies. A native of Taiwan, Chang grew up surrounded by sushi masters and other chefs. Here in Baton Rouge his passion for the highly skilled craft is unmistakable. The new Koto offers traditional Japanese cuisine with plenty of South Louisiana flair. Whether from the sushi bar or hibachi grill, everything from the veggie-friendly Cucumber Roll to Lemon Fish sushi, hibachi scallops, steak and lobster tails is on offer. For the more daring palates, broiled eel and octopus sashimi are on the menu, too. Click here to read what our secret diners thought of Chang’s new Koto.