Kasama | One Of Chicago's Most Acclaimed Restaurants
Food is one of the most delicious expressions of love, culture, and those who influence us. Dining brings those elements to the table showcasing the true beauty of food. I don’t know about you, but I’m much more connected to the dining experience when the chefs share where the ingredients came from or even when they tap into a shared cultural experience. It’s as if they unlock a new level of curiosity within me about the food or culture.
During my last trip to Chicago, I had the opportunity to experience one of the best tasting menus I’ve had in years at Kasama. I spent the evening mesmerized by the delicious food and the warmth of Filipino tradition.
Chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores are the geniuses behind Kasama. While Kasama may appear like an unassuming neighborhood cafe in Ukrainian Village, the never-ending line and the countless accolades say otherwise.
I was first introduced to Kasama and their Black Truffle Croissant on Instagram. Given my fondness for all things truffle, I made it a point to add it to my list for Chicago. One bite of this marvelous masterpiece and immediately canceled all other brunch plans for the weekend because I knew I’d be coming back. And I did, three times, in fact. Since my initial visit, Kasama has become a permanent fixture on my Chicago travel itinerary because quite frankly, it doesn’t get better than this.
Kasama is a hybrid bakery and modern Filipino restaurant that’s open all day. By day, they are serving up a traditional Filipino breakfast alongside some incredible pastries, and if you are lucky enough, maybe you can get your hands on one of those breakfast sandwiches. OMG. Thursday through Sunday, Kasama offers a 13- course Filipino-inspired tasting menu with optional beverage pairing. After my first visit to Kasama, it was clear that Flores and Kwon poured their heart and soul into building something incredibly special for the people of Chicago, and now their excellence has been rewarded. Kasama is now one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants.
I know you are thinking, “ Enough of this rambling. Let’s talk about the food already!”
Rather than giving away all of the mouthwatering details, I’ll simply share with you all the courses we enjoyed. Yes, everything was incredible, and you better believe I will be getting up at midnight to make a reservation so I can go back!
Kasama | Kinilaw // Golden Kaluga Caviar + Hamachi + Coconut
Kasama | Lumpia // Herbs + Radish
Talaba // Kusshi Oyster + Green Mango + Mezcal
Kasama | Nilaga // Cabbage + Bone Marrow + Short Grain Rice
Kasama | Siomai // Duck + Foie + Pickled Mushrooms
Kasama | Adobo // Maitake + Mussel Emulson
Kasama | Sinigang // Salmon + Tamarind + Smoked Roe
Kasama | Pancit En Su Tinta // Serrano Ham + Squid Ink + Scallop Conserva
Kasama | Kare- Kare // Lamb Belly + Peanut + Bagoong XO
Kasama | Bistek // A5 Wagyu + Calamansi + Caramelized Onion
Kasama | Truffle Croissant // Delice de Bourgogne Cheese + Honey
Kasama | Banana-Cue // Caramelized Saba + Brown Sugar Diplomat Cream
Kasama | Halo-Halo // Asian Pear Granita +Padan + Tita Lolly’s Leche Flan
Kasama | Chefs Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon
Chicago is a gastronome’s paradise. The city is filled with world-class restaurants, and I feel like I’ve barely made a dent in my list. Regardless of how many places open, Kasama will remain on my list indefinitely. Simply put, I can’t get enough of chef Kwon’s black truffle croissant, but more importantly, I am excited to see how their tasting menu evolves. One visit to Kasama, and you’ll be hooked.
Tariff: The 13-course tasting menu is $215.00/ person. Beverage pairings are available for $115.00/ person, and non-alcoholic pairings are $65.00/person.
Until Next Time!