(Guest post by Bo)
As Ashley and our friends know, I don’t usually rave about restaurants as I’m generally hyper-critical when it comes to food. It is for this reason that my review of Kibo is all the more meaningful.
On Saturday night, Ashley, Robin, Alison, and I decided to try the new Japanese steak house that’s just around the corner from our apartment.
Kibo opened in the former location of Japonais New York which was never able to attain the success of the original Chicago location. Kibo is owned by the BR Guest Hospitality Group with a menu designed by “The Chef of the Century” Joel Robuchon.
We arrived on time for our 9PM reservation and were told that our table would be ready shortly. Thus, we walked over to the bar to peruse the drink menu. Ashley and Alison ordered a Lotus Blossom (Pearl Cucumber, Raspberry Sake and Rose Water) which they both loved and proceeded to drink several over the course of the evening.
I ordered a Tiger Bite (Yamazaki 12-Year Whiskey, White Peach, Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA) which I found interesting, but it wasn’t my favorite drink. The bar tender was kind enough to swap it out for a martini without charging me for a second drink.
We were then guided to our table and began studying the dinner menu. It is divided into the following sections: Appetizers, Sushi, Robata Grill (more on this later), Main Plates, Noodles, and Rice.
We decided to order two appetizers (Curried Cauliflower & Chicken Dumplings), a Kibo maki, and two items from the Robata Grill (Wagyu Ribeye & Oysters). Everything was beyond delicious. The wagyu beef was a real stand out as well as the Kibo maki (shrimp, spicy hamachi, romaine, and walnut-tamarind).
After finishing the apps, we looked at the menu again with an eye towards the main courses. Ashley and Alison decided to go for the sushi platter for two while Robin and I split the Skirt Steak. Their sushi platter included two of the chef’s favorite rolls, 8 pieces of sushi, 8 pieces of nigiri, and a neon blue light to spice up the presentation. The one special roll was especially unique, complete with kiwi, salmon, avocado, and apple. The sweetness was balanced perfectly and one of our favorite tastes at Kibo.
We also ordered a Chicken Dango Ramen for the table as the ladies had never had “real” handmade Ramen noodles.
The food and service was all phenomenal. In addition, the interior redesign which took place when the new owners took over has made the space feel more filled. They broke the space up very well which means that on a weeknight, if the restaurant isn’t at 100% capacity, you can barely tell.
Other than the first drink that I didn’t care for, I have no complaints or criticisms about the food. I’m sure we’ll be frequenting Kibo often and hope more people will do the same.
