Gaijin
Osaka-style Okonomiyaki – Tempura Shrimp, Corn, Creole Butter, Arare
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki – Yakisoba, Bacon, Egg, Bonito
Mochi Donut – Strawberry Glaze
Gaijin Seasonal Kakigori – Cinnamon-Gooey Buttercake Ice Cream, Blueberry Lemon Syrup, Lemon Curd, Blueberry Compote, Toasted Rice Brittle, Condensed Milk
Orange Hi-Chew
Fortunate to have visited Vie in 2010, Chef Paul Virant has subsequently made his way into Chicago-proper, and at Gaijin the self-professed outsider opts to take on one of Japan’s most beloved Street Foods while furthering his exploration of fermentation and umami.
Now fifty years old, and dedicating the Restaurant in Fulton Market to his wife who introduced Virant to Okonomiyaki after years of study in Japan, guests will currently find Gaijin operating amidst COVID-19 precautions – social distancing assured from patio to Chef’s Counter and staff exceedingly efficient.
The Windy City’s first Okonomiyaki restaurant, but also home to Pickles, Shaved Ice and a serious Beverage program, it is amidst street style and modestly-loud Hip Hop that diners are invited to relax from 5pm Tuesday through Thursday and noon Friday till Sunday.
Capable of seating sixty, though currently limited to half-that, it was after some perusal that both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese Pancake were ordered, their preparation just inches away showing far more complexity than some might expect and no shortage of traditional imported Ingredients.
Serious about the product’s authenticity it was by request that Osaka-style was served first, a topping of Shrimp, Corn and spiced Butter all married to a fluffy base by Kewpie with no two bites the same, while Hiroshima-style further incorporated chewy Yakisoba Noodles, Katsuobushi and Bacon atop a nearly-French Crepe on the bottom.
Lively even in inclement weather, staff still having fun while practicing all recommended safety measures, Dessert at Gaijin comes from Vie’s Pastry Chef Angelyne Canicosa, the $5 Rice Flour Donut a questionable value in comparison to $12 for a snowcapped mountain of Shaved Ice wrapped around housemade Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream and decorated in artisan accoutrements.
www.gaijinchicago.com
