December 18, 2024
“Thank you for coming TKG Son!!” Yasunari Jack Fukuda squealed as The Kansas Gastronomist walked through the door of GYOZA BAR – Modern Japanese Eatery in Wichita, Kansas.
Everyone knew Jack. Everyone liked Jack. After all he’d been serving up some of the best ramen this side of the Mississippi out of his Yokohama Ramen Izakaya location next door at Central & Woodlawn as well as Yokohama Ramen Joint in the Delanoict.
But he understandably wanted TKG to come and check out the new gyoza restaurant before it opened. And it was no surprise to TKG — if he were opening up a restaurant, there was little doubt he would invite himself before it opened.
“So, anyway, TKG Son, this is the Tuna Cigar. It’s a special tuna & tobiko served in a cigar box. Check out that smoke!! And also, we have pan fried, deep fried and steamed gyoza…even available gluten free!!!” Jack howled as TKG scanned the bad ass bar and awesome dining room. “And guess what?!?!” Jack went on. “You can even make A5 Japanese Wagyu on a volcano rock, kind of like that one time you grilled your Wagyu over at Yokohama with your brother from another mother!” Jack motioned towards Fert The Foodie.
RESTAURANT NOTES: This Wednesday night Gyoza Bar is doing a soft opening with invite only. I am not able to make it, but should be excellent. On Saturday, December 21st, the restaurant is having its grand opening. Lots of cool stuff including karate dudes breaking bricks, cutting ribbons and other cool Japanese thingies. I love gyoza — if you follow me you’ve seen me talk about it a lot. I prefer the pan fried or steamed.
