Kaiyo--new Japanese in the loop

I'm not sure this is worth its own thread, but it's a development I'm glad to see.
Replacing a depressing KFC in the great Stanley Tigerman post-modern parking garage at 60 E. Lake



This is the owners' first restaurant. They're taking a lot of pride in it.

Is there a category of Japanese food that's the equivalent to Tex-Mex? Where we can enjoy it for what it is without worrying too much about authenticity? You know, where there's a Hawaii roll with mango, and a "Sear Towel Roll" (sic)? As long as that's your expectation, I think you'll be pleased. Even if you're ordering a lunch roll combo (any two rolls for $8.50), which is what I recommend, the rolls will be freshly made after you order.

I've also tried the lunch bento box. . WAY too much food. Teriyaki, plus shrimp tempura, plus miso soup, plus salad with that odd orange dressing, plus shrimp shumai, plus six pieces of California roll! The shumai were a miss, and, unlike the hand rolls, the California roll wasn't any better than I can pick up at the supermarket, but the tempura was fresh and crisp and the salmon amazingly moist.

They've made it a breeze to order on-line for pick-up or delivery but they also have comfortable seating in a quiet room for almost 40--and so far I've never seen more than a dozen tables occupied.

Kaiyo Cafe
60 E. Lake
Chicago
312 269 0001

Ann:

How much did that Bento Box that didn't quite fit into a Bento Box set you back?

thanks!

bjt

Ann Fisher wrote:You know, where there's a Hawaii roll with mango, and "Sear Towel Roll" (sic)?

That's no mistake - all of my favorite sushi restaurants offer me a sear towel before the meal; quite refreshing, and really helps cut through the grime of the streets.

Santander wrote:

Ann Fisher wrote:You know, where there's a Hawaii roll with mango, and "Sear Towel Roll" (sic)?

That's no mistake - all of my favorite sushi restaurants offer me a sear towel before the meal; quite refreshing, and really helps cut through the grime of the streets.

Maki named after buildings--just my kind of thing!

Ann, I appreciate the report. I just started reading the Architecture of Parking and am kind of obsessed with Chicago's garages. I plan to visit the Tigerman structure to take photos soon. Maybe for lunch, I'll have myself some Sears Towers.

bjt wrote:Ann:
How much did that Bento Box that didn't quite fit into a Bento Box set you back?

bjt

The lunch bento box is 9.95, unless you opt for veggie, in which case it's 8.95. The dinner bento box is $17.95 and according to the description, the only thing it adds is rice!

Boy, I wish I could share any of the "this place is ok" type sentiments expressed in this thread. Maybe if I hadn't ordered raw fish I'd feel differently, but lunch at Kaiyo made me feel like like jumping off the Sears Tower rather than eating a roll named after it. The sashimi special had flabby, mushy pieces that were still dripping with thaw-water. This was right up there with the worst sushi experiences I've ever had.