Coming Summer 2011: Japanese Tapas in the Loop

Hey Loop scenesters, get ready to incorporate a little bit of Tokyo into your after work agenda. The Slurping Turtle, a Japanese tapas spot from chef mastermind Takashi Yagihashi is headed your way. His inspiration? In chatting with Takashi we learned that in Japan tapas joints are the after work hangout for grabbing a quick drink, slurping on some noodles or enjoying some sashimi.

We love it! Look for the Slurping Turtle to open its doors next to Epic on Hubbard in June.

In the meantime if you haven’t been to Takashi, then, quite frankly, you haven’t lived. A blend of Japanese and French cuisines, this adorable Bucktown restaurant dons a Michelin star, a seriously flavor-packed menu and an intimate dining scene. Try the soy-ginger caramel pork belly-steamed buns with hot mustard (dream of these on a regular basis!), the wasabi crusted New York strip or the pheasant with chestnut risotto and truffle oil. We’d recommend this spot for a date night or dinner with a gal or two. Takashi, you’re in our top 5.

Takashi

1952 N. Damen (Damen and Armitage)

Visit OpenTable.com for resos.