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| - I followed a chef from one of my usual haunts to a new restaurant - Kirei - located where Young Thailand (then Ivory Thai) used to be. The large and newly renovated space was clearly built for big crowds. Groupings of 6 and 8 are all around. Of note are a number semi-private kotatsu tables along the North side of the room, divided by shoji screens. The decor leans toward sleek but softens the trendy tone with comfortable warm accents nearer to the sushi bar.
Showing some fusion (stay with me here) elements and Korean dashes, the menu is large - almost overwhelming. Nevertheless, we chose a la carte (vs omakase). On order was okonomiyaki, yaki nasu, the kirei shot, kiri tanpo (pan-fried rice sticks), kim chi risotto, and the pollack roe somen.
Some small and very cute complimentary dishes of a sauced vegetable, lotus root, and a fish ball come out from the kitchen, along with some cold noodle, and miso soup. A nice touch to begin and flesh out the meal.
Favourites were the yaki nasu (no crispy skin, but nicely done), pollack roe somen (spicy, cold, hot, very good and different), and kiri tanpo (the pan-fried rice sticks in a sweet soy sauce were quite good). Talking with the chef, most of the items were still very new to the kitchens, so many of the dishes was a first attempt. A fairly decent-to-strong showing for a new place.
I'd go back to try more dishes when things even out.
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