MF Sushi’s Alex Kinjo Opens Yakitori Kona in the Former Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit in Virginia-Highland | Eater Atlanta

"I describe it as an "intimate izakaya cocktail bar" offering charcoal-grilled Japanese skewers and inventive twists on classic cocktails from veteran bartender James Wampler. Chef Hugo Valdez — who worked at MF Sushi, Craft Izakaya, and Kinjo Room — prepares a selection of skewers including lemon pepper, togarashi-spiced fried chicken skins, and a charred filet with yuzu kosho chimichurri; all yakitori are cooked over Japanese white charcoal on an imported grill that can reach up to 900 degrees and are served with three dipping sauces. Other offerings include whole squid with tare sauce, takoyaki, and Japanese pickles accompanied by yamagobo or takuan, plus traditional items like chicken hearts, and a late-night menu (Japanese curry, tataki rice bowls with pickles) is in the works. Cocktail highlights mentioned are Wampler’s Yes, Yes You Do (a lychee-martini riff with a shochu base), a blackberry daiquiri with goat cheese foam, and the I’ll Have a Traditional made with charred orange–infused Japanese whisky. Yakitori Kona is currently open for dinner with lunch expected in a few weeks." - Beth McKibben