According to a recent liquor license filing with the State of California, a restaurant concept currently labeled “Mu” is headed for 18976 Hwy 12 in Sonoma. Representatives for the project confirmed that a new restaurant at this address is in the works, but were unable to discuss further details at this time.
They did divulge that Chef Joshua Smookler is heading the project. Smookler and his wife Heidi He, opened Mu Ramen in Long Island City back in 2014. The noodle shop was widely popular for serving prime rib, burgers, and of course, ramen.
But after temporarily closing doors in 2020 when New York mandated a shutdown on indoor dining, they never had a chance to reopen, according to a report in Eater NY. Since then, it seems that Smookler has moved out west and is now starting over in Sonoma County, according to a recent tweet.
A lease was signed in early November and based on the timing of the pending liquor license, we may see an opening as early as January. It is not yet clear whether Smookler will debut the same Mu Ramen from New York, or if he is working on an entirely different concept. Until we know more, we look forward to whatever it is he has in store.
