A New Era of Korean Steakhouse in Chicago
Chicagoans are no strangers to Korean barbecue, with numerous options available throughout the city. However, a fancy downtown version has been lacking until now. Perilla Steak, located in the L7 Chicago Hotel (225 N. Wabash Ave., Loop), has finally filled this void.
A Family Affair
The two men behind Perilla Steak, GM Thomas Oh and executive chef Andrew Lim, also helm the acclaimed Perilla Korean American Fare in the West Loop. They jumped at the chance to bring their family cuisine to a wider audience downtown. "The idea was that we wanted to take the idea of Korean cuisine, something we had been working on for years already, and elevate it," says Oh. They aim to combine the flavors and hospitality of their family’s old restaurants with high-quality ingredients, service, and an epic design.
A Fusion of Flavors
Perilla Steak is not just a Korean barbecue joint with nicer flatware; it’s an homage to the classic Chicago steakhouse. Lim makes traditional steakhouse dishes his own with Korean ingredients and techniques. Caesar salad is served with milk bread croutons and bonito flakes, while a Korean seafood pancake subs in for a classic crab cake. Caviar comes with garlic chives and Korean pancakes, and Bolognese is combined with Kalgusku, or chewy knife-cut noodles.
The Star of the Show
The star of the show, however, is the beef, and the selection is impressive. Perilla Steak offers a variety of prime and wagyu options, sourced from all over the world. Unlike a traditional steakhouse experience, where diners generally order a large hunk of a single cut of meat, at Perilla Steak, diners can order sets, which come with a variety of cuts grilled tableside by their server. For example, the Wagyu set is served with ribeye, short rib, filet mignon, marinated short rib, and melt-in-your-mouth Miyazaki A-5 New York strip. These come with housemade banchan (Korean small dishes like kimchi), dipping sauces, and various wraps, including perilla leaf, the restaurants’ namesake, which imparts a complex, bitter, slightly licorice flavor.
All-Day Dining
Because Perilla Steak is a hotel restaurant, diners get the bonus of all-day dining. Lim was surprised to see his Korean-style breakfast plate (available for breakfast and lunch) as the runaway hit of the menu. It’s a combination of small dishes of kimchi, egg, rice, a light broth, and a choice of skirt steak, chicken thigh, or grilled mackerel. According to Oh, "Everyone has been going crazy for it." If you’re in the market for a more typical breakfast, the American breakfast plate features Publican Quality Bread and housemade English muffins, which Lim describes as "the best English muffin this side of the Mississippi."
Conclusion
Perilla Steak is a game-changer in the world of Chicago steakhouses. With its unique blend of Korean flavors and traditional steakhouse dishes, it’s an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a fan of Korean barbecue or just looking for a new and exciting dining experience, Perilla Steak is a must-visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What sets Perilla Steak apart from other steakhouses?
A: Perilla Steak offers a unique blend of Korean flavors and traditional steakhouse dishes, making it a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Q: What types of beef are available at Perilla Steak?
A: Perilla Steak offers a variety of prime and wagyu options, sourced from all over the world.
Q: Can I order a single cut of meat at Perilla Steak?
A: No, at Perilla Steak, diners can order sets, which come with a variety of cuts grilled tableside by their server.
Q: Is Perilla Steak a hotel restaurant?
A: Yes, Perilla Steak is located in the L7 Chicago Hotel and offers all-day dining.
Q: What is the Korean-style breakfast plate?
A: The Korean-style breakfast plate is a combination of small dishes of kimchi, egg, rice, a light broth, and a choice of skirt steak, chicken thigh, or grilled mackerel.
