Itoko
5-Course Nouveau Japanese Tasting Event
This Lakeview Japanese eatery is named for the Japanese word for "cousin". (A fitting name, given it's the "cousin spot" of West Loop’s Momotaro and Sumi Robata.) Itoko has garnered a reputation in its own right though since opening in February 2023, receiving a Michelin Guide Recommendation as well as a coveted spot on Eater’s “Essential Chicago Restaurants” List. Chef/Partner Gene Kato, who owned and operated Sumi Robata and helms the kitchen at Momotaro, is also the culinary mastermind here. A Chicago leged of Japanese cuisine, as well as a 2-Time James Beard Nominee (Best Chefs in America 2017, Best Chefs in America 2020) and Jean Banchet Award-Winner, here he is turning out wonders like a tom yum hand roll with sweet diced shrimp, a pan seared mackerel, a "slider" skewer with beef tsukune and tangy miso mustard. Dessert is a dynamic (and delectable) pleasure too, with delights like the donatsu, a donut with a donut hole for dipping in matcha semifreddo. All to say, we seriously cannot wait to visit here and hear more about Chef Kato's innovative yet reverent approach to Japanese cuisine. We hope to see you there!
About the Host:
Gene Kato
Chef/Partner
Growing up in a Japanese household in Charlotte, Chef Gene Kato became devoted at an early age to elevating Japanese cuisine while remaining respectful of tradition. Prior to becoming a Boka Restaurant group partner, he owned Sumi Robata and honed his craft at highly regarded restaurant Ohba and Japonais. He has also served as Executive Chef/Partner of Momotaro and is a 2-Time James Beard "Best Chefs in America" Award Nominee.
The Lineup
Courses #1, #2, #3 & #5 will be individually plated; courses #4 will be served family-style. This menu will be Shellfish Free. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
-
Spicy Salmon Dip
salmon, perilla, crispy garlic, spicy mayo, nori rice cracker
-
Aged Maguro Nigiri Trio
akami | chutoro | otoro
-
Sea Bass Cartoccio
soy butter sauce
-
Wagyu Flatiron
spring vegetables, japanese chimichurri, brie fondue, congee
-
Soy Milk Panna Cotta
yuzu curd
Itoko
3325 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering exclusively Vegetarian substitutions for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Fish. They are NOT accommodating restrictions related to the following ingredients: Alliums, Dairy, Mushrooms, Gluten. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
