Kiki's: The Second Round
Friday after work we needed to relax with some good food. Japanese sprung to mind and since we had things to do on South Colorado, we were happy to follow-up with Kiki's Japanese Restaurant. We had visited this place a couple of months ago when I was on a Japanese kick. Last time we were there we had the Unadon Supreme; basically a rice bowl with avocado, masago, nori, and lots of unagi. We also tried an amazing katsudon; again, a rice bowl with chicken, onion, soy dressing, and a very undercooked egg.
This time we started with miso soup and pickles. We also ordered nigiri-zushi: unagi and hamac
hi (young yellowtail tuna). From previous experience, we knew the unagi would be delicious; but the hamachi was also very nice. These starters with our Kirin Ichiban, were perfect.For our entrees we chose the beef yakisoba. This hot mess of stir-fried noodles, beef and vegetables, included rice. That was perfect! As we learned in Oishinbo, the mouth-feel of noodles with a "rice chaser" is amazing! Just slurp in the noodles, chew a couple of times, then shovel in some rice and chew some more. You must resist saying "ga-ga-ga" as you scoop the rice in; also resist screaming, "this is GREAT!" until you chew your food.
Our other entree was a combo plate. I have serious trouble making choices when it comes to new foods. I had the combination of chicken teriyaki and the tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet). I had had my first tonkatsu just a week ago at the Tokyo Express. Although I liked Tokyo's tonkatsu, Kiki's was so much more tender and juicy. Also the chicken teriyaki was wonderful. A very thin slice of breast very lightly grilled; VERY lightly grilled. Kiki's has a very light touch with their food; what could have been a dry, rubbery chicken covered in gobs of sticky sauce, was instead moist and tender...just barely cooked through.
There is so much more to try at Kiki's, I can't wait to go back. I will keep comparing Japanese restaurants in Denver. Though I'm not an expert; I hope to figure it out well enough to give you some solid recommendations. Any help and tips are greatly appreciated!
2440 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80222
303.504.4043
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