Habibi wrote:Ginza is a one of a kind in Chicago, and probably the only Japanese restaurant (other than Katsu) in Chicago that I'd have the balls to take my California-raised Japanese fiancé. Losing it is a tragedy for Chicago's Japanese dining scene.

"Hipster Hostel" is literally the stupidest thing I've heard in a long time. But given the location, it will probably be more "tasteless yuppie approximation of something that I read about in Brooklyn." So basically a vapid facsimile of a vapid facsimile.

Not sure if it's a new development but since I don't recall seeing a prior reference, congratulations on your engagement

The OP in this thread registers his disgust and hopes (prays) the owners of Ginza are able to find a suitable place to which they can move their unique to Chicago and wonderful operation.

Habibi wrote:Ginza is a one of a kind in Chicago, and probably the only Japanese restaurant (other than Katsu) in Chicago that I'd have the balls to take my California-raised Japanese fiancé. Losing it is a tragedy for Chicago's Japanese dining scene.

I absolutely agree, but have to give a shout out to GNR Sunshine Cafe as being another place with the same type of vibe, if slightly different menu focus.

Yeah, Sunshine Cafe is great, but as you note the focus of the menu is quite different. Where else in Chicago can one get authentic snacks shiokara, or takowasa or natto in various preparations?

Boudreaulicious - thanks!!!!

JeffB wrote:This hurts. First they came for my gyros melt at CND, now they are taking my natto.

Very sad to see Ginza leave, yes, but that natto? Take it away I say! I'll admit that I just tried Natto for the first time a couple of weeks ago at my hotel breakfast buffet in Kyoto. I found it so unappealing, mostly in terms of texture. I was at least slightly less embarrassed about leaving it largely uneaten when our waiter laughed at me and said that only old Japanese men like it. He said his parents would always give it to him and they'd be angry at him when he wouldn't eat it. But back to Ginza, a very sad loss.

Natto is my Japanese litmus test. Any supposedly traditional home style place should have it. And it's no relic or Limburger style oddity. Probably a dozen or more brands and varieties on hand at Mitsuwa, and the natto/ ramen set at Santouka is the best Japanese food in Chicagoland, IMO.

JeffB wrote:Natto is my Japanese litmus test. Any supposedly traditional home style place should have it. And it's no relic or Limburger style oddity. Probably a dozen or more brands and varieties on hand at Mitsuwa, and the natto/ ramen set at Santouka is the best Japanese food in Chicagoland, IMO.

Fair enough - doesn't mean I have to like it though. Not sure, but I don't believe they offer it at Sunshine Cafe . . . or at least I don't recall seeing it there.

Slight head cold coming on and a chill in the air what better to cure it with a steaming hot bowl of Nabeyaki Udon at Ginza. Last week it'll be open so even more reason to go. I've had the Nabeyaki Udon about 15 times or more and have never seen a giant clam in it. Maybe this is a new preparation. It was more than welcomed giving the broth a slight ocean flavor and after the egg was mixed in gave it a rich and delicious broth. I will surely miss this soup. Over hearing some talk it doesn't sound like they will open elsewhere. They young guy making sushi said the main man will just retire. If it does open with the same name it won't be the same owners. I will miss this spot.

Anyone interested in lunch tomorrow 10/22 or perhaps Wednesday 10/23?
I'm going either tomorrow or Wednesday and would love some company.

Very interested but can't do either day. I may post an event (even if it's just me) for Thursday, though.

I might be able to work out Thursday. When you know for sure I'd like to try and make it.

AlekH wrote:I made it to "hipster hostel" and sighed.

I think we'd have to call this a hostel takeover.

Santander wrote:Very interested but can't do either day. I may post an event (even if it's just me) for Thursday, though.

I'd be up for that. I meant to organize a lunch, but work got the better of me.

Posting it right now on Events, 11:30 on Thursday (I can be swayed somewhat later if necessary, and of course people can drop in and out as they like). Will come back and add link momentarily.

They answered the phone so brightly and politely just now, and said they're not closing until at least Saturday, so there is plenty of food. Made me even sadder.

I'm in!! Very glad you are doing it early.

viewtopic.php?p=462315#p462315

Afterward, I'll be walking to 160 N. State and pouring out a can of baked beans.

Went back Tuesday for lunch, tonkatsu ramen and tempura shrimp rice ball $11.95 Can't beat it. Not the hands down best ramen, but it definitely hits the spot.

There was a letter there concerning the closing (which someone posted in the events I believe) that wasn't originally there Monday night when I went for dinner. Which is why I originally thought they are closing no doubt for good after hearing some talk. The letter states that they actually may just move down the street. Hope it happens.

Thank You for Loving The GINZA Restaurant



A group of us went to Ginza last Thursday for a final lunch before this beloved spot closes for good. It will be sad to see it go. Our last meal was a melange of old favorites. Here's a pictorial.



Hamachi & Tako


Tako Detail


Maguro


Takoyaki


Goma-Ay


Dried Anchovy with Radish


Chicken Katsu


Mackerel


Goodbye old friend. I'll miss you.

stevez wrote:Jellyfish Salad

this was actually my side dish, dried anchovies w/radish.

Best chicken katsu I've ever had.

Sweet Willie wrote:

stevez wrote:Jellyfish Salad

this was actually my side dish, dried anchovies w/radish.

I remember that it was called something else on the menu, but it sure looks like jellyfish to me. Are you sure it was actually dried anchovies?

Just an FYI if you're planning on going tonight: they're ran out of pretty much everything last night--noodles, mackeral, shellfish, etc. Not sure if they're stocking up again for the last dinner service, but you might want to go early...

stevez wrote:

Sweet Willie wrote:

stevez wrote:Jellyfish Salad

this was actually my side dish, dried anchovies w/radish.

I remember that it was called something else on the menu, but it sure looks like jellyfish to me. Are you sure it was actually dried anchovies?

Those definitely look like anchovies to me...this is what the jellyfish dishes I've always ordered look like (bad Internet picture unfortunately.)

stevez wrote:I remember that it was called something else on the menu, but it sure looks like jellyfish to me. Are you sure it was actually dried anchovies?

Hai

from the menu:
Dried Anchovy with raddish (my part B)
http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurants/ginza/menu

Sweet Willie wrote:

stevez wrote:I remember that it was called something else on the menu, but it sure looks like jellyfish to me. Are you sure it was actually dried anchovies?

Hai

from the menu:
Dried Anchovy with raddish (my part B)
http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurants/ginza/menu

OK. The picture label is fixed. I still think they look more like jellyfish or baby eels than died anchovies, but if Ginza says they're anchovies, then anchovies they are.

I'm just now seeing this as I plan my twice-yearly trip to Chicago. I had already been anticipating again visiting Ginza. I loved the traditional focus. I'm bummed. What's my best alternative if I'm staying downtown?

Did Ginza owners ever surface at a new place around Chicago since September 2013?

I only just realized that Ginza Fish has closed! And evidently Sunshine Cafe is gone now, too. So my question is this; is there anyplace in the city (besides Katsu) that is at all like Ginza Fish? By that I mean, a place that serves old-fashioned traditional Japanese cooked cuisine as well as traditional sushi? Don't get me wrong - I love all the weird American makimono that the vast majority of sushi places emphasize - but I'd love to find a replacement for Ginza Fish, where I can get Katsu Kari and a small sashimi salad, or grilled mackerel with a side of goma-ae. Any ideas? Aside from Katsu, which is expensive?

GNR Renga Tei (3956 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 (847) 675-5177)
and
Itto Sushi (2616 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 871-1800)

I only tried Ginza and Sunshine Café once each (enjoyed Ginza, not so much Sunshine) so I couldn't say how they stack up but I really love Renga Tei and Itto does a good job and has been around for almost 40 years I think.

Akatonbo wrote:I only just realized that Ginza Fish has closed! And evidently Sunshine Cafe is gone now, too. So my question is this; is there anyplace in the city (besides Katsu) that is at all like Ginza Fish? By that I mean, a place that serves old-fashioned traditional Japanese cooked cuisine as well as traditional sushi? Don't get me wrong - I love all the weird American makimono that the vast majority of sushi places emphasize - but I'd love to find a replacement for Ginza Fish, where I can get Katsu Kari and a small sashimi salad, or grilled mackerel with a side of goma-ae. Any ideas? Aside from Katsu, which is expensive?

With the caveat that I haven't been in a few years, Midori on Bryn Mawr in Peterson/Hollywood Park was also a similar spot.