Chicago's culinary scene gets a flavorful boost with the opening of Casa Chi, a new restaurant nestled in the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile that serves up a unique blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. This daring concept is brought by none other than chef Richard Sandoval, who is renowned for his international empire of over 60 dining establishments. Unlike traditional restaurants, Casa Chi has carved itself a niche by operating without a kitchen, as reported by CBS News Chicago. Instead, it brings eye-catching innovation to the table, quite literally, serving dishes like tuna ponzu guacamole and ceviche, where no cooking is required
Riesler Morales, the head of mixology for Sandoval's global restaurants, concocted a drink menu that is as inventive as the culinary offerings. With expectations of guests wanting more than just food, the cocktails come as an integral part of the dining experience. A Gibson made with coconut-fat-washed mezcal and green tea-infused pisco are among the star attractions. The drink menu is complemented by a curated selection of 142 mezcal and tequila varieties, as well as sake and Japanese beers. Adding to the sensory delight, Kate Lewis's ceiling mural graces the establishment, setting a striking visual backdrop for patrons, as detailed by Eater Chicago.
Interestingly, the challenge of a kitchen-less space spurred Sandoval to utilize heated stones to accommodate customers' desires for hot dishes. These stones, reaching temperatures of about 500 degrees, are brought to tables where diners can watch their premium cuts of beef sizzle to their liking. And while the food unmistakably remains a central element, Casa Chi is also about creating a whole experience. "When I opened 30 years ago, you know, it was all about the food, you know, 80% was food," Sandoval told CBS News Chicago. "Here, I think we've accomplished it," he said, stressing the current expectations of guests to be wowed wholly.
Having shut its doors four years prior, Sandoval's Latinicity marked a heartbreaking departure from Chicago. Now, returning to the city's slower-paced big-city vibe, he brings with him a new vision of cultural fusion. "I just love Chicago," Sandoval admits in a statement obtained by Eater Chicago, expressing his excitement at the opportunity to plunge back into the city's eclectic food scene. Casa Chi, while open since May 2, is still considered a work in progress.
