Casa Chi by Chef Richard Sandoval

"We recently checked out Casa Chi. Read our review here. Casa Chi is a new cocktail lounge in the InterContinental on Michigan Avenue. And while tableside hot stones are the only “kitchens” here, you can still eat takes on Nikkei small plates like scallop anticucho, boneless beef short rib, and tuna tiradito to pair with your coconut fat-washed mezcal cocktails." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen

"That can mean rooftop drinks at Cerise or Pandan, ceviches and sake cocktails at Richard Sandoval’s new Nikkei spot Casa Chi." - Samantha Nelson

"Coconut fat-washed mezcal gibsons and sake-based drinks with gold dust swirls are the focus at Casa Chi, a Nikkei cocktail lounge in the InterContinental Hotel. The drinks are good, if a little sweet, and there’s a very nice plant-decorated sidewalk patio that feels secluded even though it’s right off Michigan Avenue. Tableside hot stones are the only “kitchens” here, so besides grilled wagyu ribeye or scallop anticucho the short food menu is mostly made up of cold small plates like ceviche and some tasty tiraditos. Just know that the DIY ishiyaki experience is priced per ounce (with a four-ounce minimum) and can quickly lead to an overcooked mistake if you’re too caught up in eavesdropping on the many tourists surrounding you. Order some delicately rolled pieces of hamachi bathing in a truffle ponzu instead, which you can enjoy with significantly less effort on your part." - Veda Kilaru