‘The right place for us’: Deba Sushi Bar moving into vacant downtown Mount Prospect space

A husband-and-wife team is bringing a new Japanese dining concept to downtown Mount Prospect.

Deba Sushi Bar is moving into the former home of Patina Wine Bar at 133 W. Prospect Ave.

The name comes from the deba knife, a traditional Japanese single-beveled knife used for breaking down, butchering and filleting whole fish, with minimal waste. The owners are hoping to bring some cutting edge food to the area south of the tracks.

Chef Naro Butsaboon sees the knife as a reflection of himself in the kitchen — strong and hardworking.

Naro and his wife May spent a year searching for the right location, including Chicago, before settling on the village.

“Mount Prospect is the right place for us,” May Butsaboon told the village board, which approved a liquor license Tuesday, “I love this area.”

Chef Naro brings more than 18 years of experience in the sushi industry, including time as a chef at Nobu in downtown Chicago and Nobu 57 in New York City.

His approach combines traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern Thai twist. And with the liquor license, one can expect to wash it down with some sake.

May Butsaboon also has dining industry experience having worked with the Lettuce Entertain You group in the past.

The space will feature a Japanese modern sashimi style. Chef Naro recommends a yellowtail dish seasoned with such toppings as sesame.

“It does bring some culinary difference to the downtown area, which is what we need,” Trustee Vince Dante said.

The Butsaboons said they are awaiting a final inspection before opening and hope to welcome customers within the coming weeks.

The plan is to be open during the week for lunch before breaking for an hour and letting in the dinner crowds.