Robert Hertz has held a lifelong dream to create a dining experience that transcends borders and embraces the diversity of global cuisine.
The South Dakota native ventured to California and accumulated over 40 years of experience in the culinary industry.
“I’ve owned several restaurants and a commercial bakery, and have been able to experiment with a lot of different things,” said Hertz.
After retiring, Hertz traveled back to Yankton to spend time with his mother before she passed.
“I went back to California after she passed, but during the pandemic I knew I needed something to do, so I purchased a house in Yankton–sight unseen–and renovated it,” stated Hertz.
He continued, “That took care of the winter, and then I thought, ‘What do I do now?’ The owners of River’s Edge convinced me to open my own restaurant in this space, so I decided to give it a try.”
Located along the river at 104 Capital Street sits Akasha World Kitchen, a culinary destination featuring dishes from around the globe.
“I’ve had people drive 250 miles just to come and eat here from Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Lake Andes, to name a few.” – ROBERT HERTZ
Hertz’s goal was to introduce South Dakotans to a new and diverse world of culinary dishes.
The name Akasha stems from the Sanskrit word, the fifth element of earth, wind, fire, and air.
“It’s also the space between everything,” said Hertz. “It’s a primary substance, so without space, there is nothing else.”
Just as Akasha brings together the elements, Akasha World Kitchen brings diverse flavors and culinary traditions from around the world together.
The eatery prides itself on its multicultural menu, showcasing the best of international cuisine. From savory Italian dishes, aromatic curries, and delicate Vietnamese Bahn Mi, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
“I aim to introduce people to new and different flavors,” stated Hertz. “Our goal is to make customers happy and to give them a treat that they aren’t going to find anywhere else.”
With an ever-changing menu, customers will be able to experience a new culture with each visit.
“My menu is constantly evolving and rotating,” shared Hertz. “I wanted to create something that would set their culinary experience on fire.”
While the menu varies often, Hertz’s dedication to providing delectable dishes doesn’t waver.
“Everything I cook here is homemade,” said Hertz. “We use nutritious ingredients and everything is made from scratch, never out of a box.”
Akasha offers lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch, and Italian Nights. The lunch menu includes a variety of sandwiches, starters, soups and salads, and light desserts. The dinner menu includes tapas and small bites, pasta, and chicken, steak, and seafood entrées.
The lunch menu has dishes such as Shrimp and Mango Lettuce Wraps, a Turkey Brie Croissant, Corn and Potato Chowder, and French Potato Salad.
The dinner menu has featured dishes like Grilled Crusted Rack of Lamb, Cedar Braised Bison, Roasted Lobster with Saffron Dill Butter, and Lemon Caper Chilean Sea Bass.
More On The Menu
Note: Menus at Akasha World Kitchen change weekly. Updated menus can be found on their website.
TAPAS & SMALL BITES
» Bacon Wrapped Dates
Medjool dates, a marcona almond wrapped in maple smoked bacon, with a cayenne brown sugar glaze with balsamic cherry sauce.
» Mediterranean Quesadilla
Tortilla stuffed with feta and mozzarella cheese, spinach, red onion, and tomatoes.
PASTA ENTRÉES
» Cacio E Pepe
Bucatini with pecorino cheese and ground black pepper.
» Wild Boar Ravioli
Gorgonzola, Wild Boar, roasted red better ravioli in a light marinara sauce.
MEAT ENTRÉES
» Confit Duck Breast A L’Orange
Butter-poached duck breast, orange honey sauce with roasted potatoes, and broccolini.
» Tomahawk Pork Chop
Berkshire frenched cut tomahawk pork chop paired with a South Carolina sweet and tangy mustard sauce, and a side of lemon ginger spinach.
SEAFOOD ENTRÉES
» Salmon Coconut Curry
Wild caught salmon pan seared then paired with coconut curry, carrots, and broccoli served over basmati rice Thai style.
» New Zealand Green Lip Mussels
Steamed and served in a coconut, ginger, and curry broth with toasted bread, and a side of rice.
Sunday Brunch is simple, according to Hertz. The brunch menu has various plates of exotic entrées featuring Vietnamese pork, Wagyu steak, lobster tails, and frog legs. Akasha’s Italian Night is served every Wednesday and goes beyond typical pasta dishes.
The Italian Night menu serves Gnocchi in Sage Butter, Lasagna Alla Bolognese, and Calzones.
“When people come here, they can expect delicious food,” said Hertz.
Beyond the cuisine, Akasha World Kitchen offers a pleasant ambiance to diners. The restaurant’s interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, suitable for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.
The eatery is surrounded by large windows, allowing natural light to fill the space, and hosts an indoor fireplace—a focal point of the restaurant.
“Many of my customers come here for weddings, anniversaries, and date nights,” said Hertz.
Each table is paired with an eclectic statues holding one of the 60 wines that Akasha serves.
The bar offers various beers on tap, craft cocktails, and a wide variety of wines from around the world.
“Name any country and I’ll be able to make you a dish from it.” – ROBERT HERTZ
As Hertz moves forward on this culinary journey, he would love to add wine-paired meals and whiskey tastings to his repertoire. The chef is also looking to introduce entrées from his travels over the years.
“I can cook for any nationality that there is,” he said. “Most of my experience is in French and Italian cooking, but I can also do Middle Eastern, European, Caribbean, South American, and Mexican cuisine.”
Hertz believes that food is a journey, and he strives for Akasha World Kitchen to give his customers a memorable meal.
“When you come to Akasha, have an open mind because we’re here to enlighten your senses and give you a new experience,” he said.
