Kitsune

Peen Simmons

Let’s Get Obtuse!
Just tried this new place last night (able to snag a last minute reservation...they've been booked pretty solid since the opening).

http://www.kitsunerestaurant.com/#food-header-section

They're doing Japanese dishes with a focus on Midwestern "farm to table" ingredients.

Very good. I had the ramen (because I always have the ramen everywhere) and it was delicious. It's not a traditional bowl, and definitely seemed informed by Momofuku's ramen. But a little subtler with an emphasis on texture and richness vs bold flavor. The noodles were wonderful. Nice chew and flavor. The broth was silky and rich and complex without the lousy SOCK YOU IN THE FACE WITH FLAVA Guy Fieri bullshit of other local hypetastic ramen shops like Furious Spoon or Oiistar.

We had the bread and pickles to start. The bread was incredible. As was the Japanese whiskey donut we split for dessert.

Same outfit also runs a bakery (Bunny) and it shows. Folks know their way around some gluten.

Recommended.
 
sounds good! LA was spoiled for good ramen, but I have yet to try anything in Chicago
 
Thanks for the tip. My wife and I are always looking for someplace new to try. I'm not hip to the ramen scene, so I guess I need to get myself edumacated.

I was in Wicker Park not too long ago and noticed a ramen restaurant (or two?). Don't know anything about it/them.
 
This place is more than just a ramen joint, but I love ramen so I'll almost always get it if it is on the menu of a place I'm trying.

For just straight up ramen, I like this local outpost of a Japanese chain doing Tokyo style ramen.

https://m.facebook.com/misoya.chicago.DT

My first real ramen experience was in Hokkaido, so Hokkaido style ramen is imprinted on my brain. This place gets as close as I've had in Chicago. Yes it's in the burbs and yes it's in a food court. Yes you will wait 45 minutes.

http://www.mitsuwa.com/restaurants-shops/restaurants-sushi/santouka/

The three places I've tried in the heart of Wicker Park are attempting NYC type ramen after Momofuku and failing. Furious Spoon is Guy Fieri donkey sauce levels of overmuch.

This place in Wicker Park does a nice job on their ramen and their other food is good. Cocktails are tasty. And they're not blasting classic dad hip hop at gut rattling levels. Place definitely has the right vibe, though it's not exactly doing the same package drinks and tons of food thing that has been my izakaya experience in Japan.

http://www.izakayamita.com

Strings in Chinatown does a decent bowl of ramen too.
 
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