North of Bourbon Owners to Open New Concept, Ensō, in Clifton

Website screen capture for Ensō.

The team behind Germantown restaurant North of Bourbon announced a new restaurant, Ensō, opening this fall in Louisville’s Clifton neighborhood. Ensō will focus on Southern cuisine with Japanese influences in ingredients and techniques, according to a news release.  

The team built North of Bourbon around their decade-long friendship and were inspired by the many connections between New Orleans and Louisville. With Ensō, they’ll explore the interplays between Southern and Japanese cuisine. Chef Lawrence Weeks will present a menu that directly reflects the connection between his love for Japanese technique and culture and his passion for Southern cuisine.

He’ll draw parallels between the culture’s dishes, weaving together the similarities and bringing them to life on the plate. To complement the culinary offerings, the beverage program will be spirits-focused, primarily Japanese highballs, whiskey, and sakes. 

“We’re going to be playing around with how people think about traditional Southern or Japanese cuisine,” Weeks said. “Think of a katsu sandwich but on Parker House rolls.” 

The name Ensō is drawn from the Zen Circle, a common symbol in Buddhism that represents coming full circle. For Chef Weeks, this symbolizes his return to his hometown of Louisville after time spent in kitchens throughout the Southeast.   

Ensō will open this fall for dinner service; an address was not provided in the news release. A website is being built at www.ensolouisville.com.