Michelin Chef Ricardo Sanz and Miami United's Anthony Ricci Team Up for Kuenko Food Truck

Ricardo Sanz is known by many for integrating the skills he learned as an apprentice of Masao Kikuchi at Tokio Taro with his own Mediterranean background. But the high price point and location of Sanz's Madrid restaurant, Kabuki Wellington, have prevented many a Miamian from trying the food.  

Japanese-Spanish fusion spot Kuenko, which opened last week at the Wynwood Yard, blends the technique of the Michelin-starred chef with quality ingredients in a food truck that serves meals for about ten bucks.

Kuenko offers entrées priced at exactly $10.38, with the sauces and ingredients found at its parent restaurant. Co-opting the trend of fast-casual eating, the restaurant offers Sanz’s flavors in a donburi rice bowl format. The Ecuadorian butterfish and Norwegian salmon are of the same quality found in Madrid. The soy-based "secret Kuenko sauce" developed by Sanz is addictive. The recipe is a closely held secret.

The fact that Sanz has chosen a food truck to showcase his cuisine in Miami isn't as odd as it seems. The chef has previously taken Kabuki on the road in Spain with a food truck. Kuenko is a warmup to Florida, where the chef eventually hopes to open a brick-and-mortar establishment.

Sanz's move toward Miami began when Amado Rodriguez,.a seafood import-and-export executive, dined at Kabuki on a Madrid vacation with his wife.
He was seated at the famed restaurant's sushi bar, where Sanz was hard at work.  The two chatted, and the idea for Kuenko was born.

Rodriguez enlisted the help of cousins Matias and Anthony Ricci. Matias owns a farm and supplies the restaurant with produce. Twenty-two-year-old Anthony was a more unlikely candidate. A professional soccer player since the age of 15, he tore his ACL while playing for Miami United in November and was "looking for something to do." He traveled to Madrid to train under Chef Sanz for two months before moving up in the operation. "It’s not only learning it, but doing it consistently in all servings," Anthony said. "Ricardo’s style means perfect each time. It starts at the prep and ends in people’s mouths."

During its grand opening May 7, Kuenko sold about 300 plates, a feat Wynwood Yard owner Della Heiman described as "amazing." The truck is located next door to long-standing Wynwood Yard resident Myumi. Though there was a steady rain, both establishments experienced a brisk business during last Saturday's art walk, proving that Miamians love the concept of eating an inspired meal on wheels.

Kuenko is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday  from 5 to 9 p.m; Friday through Sunday for lunch from noon to 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday for dinner from 7 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday for dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. .