CHAYA continues to transcend convention between Japanese and American dining, inviting guests to discover innovative Japanese-Californian cuisine. CHAYA Modern Izakaya in Venice, CA, formally known as Chaya Venice, the restaurant elevates the izakaya experience by introducing a present-day dining and drinking destination that invites guests to experience the modern izakaya dining approach.
At CHAYA Modern Izakaya, the chefs combine their skills and showcase their expertise, utilizing local seasonal ingredients, with the highest-quality seafood, poultry and meats. From introducing special omakase experiences at the Kaiseki Chef Counter, to pushing the boundaries on what one is capable of producing, the this powerful team elevates CHAYA Modern Izakaya’s commitment to innovation. Together they create meticulously prepared and exquisitely served multicourse meals that are as visually appealing as they are flavorful.
Comparable to the Western gastropub, a Japanese izakaya is traditionally a drinking establishment, which serves small tapas-style plates intended to be shared amongst friends. The new modern izakaya dining menu, while also featuring daily special omakase menus, showcases a sampling of each chef’s passion and ingenuity as they present the best bites and specials of the day.
Guests who opt to enjoy the new CHAYA Modern Izakaya dining menu can begin their meal with the Raw section, starting with the Seared Albacore “Aburi” with ponzu, serrano chili, and garlic chips. For an array of salads & vegetables, guests can enjoy delicate delights like the Chrysanthemum Salad prepared with Enoki mushrooms and bacon vinaigrette, or the Crispy Sunchoke featuring tomatillo miso, crème fraiche and ikura. From the ocean comes an assortment of seafood with special selections such as the flavorful Grilled Octopus accompanied by papaya and yuzu tamari.
If meat and poultry is what you crave, the Chefs have you covered with specialties such as the Grilled Jidori Chicken dressed with lemon kosho. The rice, noodles, soup section of the menu offers comfort food at its most opulent with selections such as the Wagyu Chazuke comprised of rice, dashi tea and shiitake. Completing this diverse and multicultural menu are the rolls, hand rolls section with delectable offerings unique to CHAYA Modern Izakayasuch as the Celery Root Remoulade & Spicy Pollock Roe Hand Roll and the Spicy Scallop Lettuce Hand Roll.
Completely reintroducing and redefining a new cocktail program, CHAYA Modern Izakaya cocktail offerings include handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits, Japanese Whisky selection, eclectic sake and wine collection, Japanese and local craft beers. The curated selection of spirits and Japanese Whisky are combined with playful spins on specialty drinks like the Highball Cocktail, comprised of Suntory Whisky Toki and club soda, or the Son of a Beesting featuring gin, ginger, honey, lemon, and lavender bitters. Then take a journey to the Far East Side prepared with tequila, sake, cucumber, lime, and shiso, or enjoy the Golden Shrine made with Toki Whisky, Bénédictine, and bitters.
Whether it is cocktails after work in the lively bar and lounge, sampling an array of dishes on the new modern Izakaya menu amongst friends in the dining room, or enjoying the ever engaging Omakase Menu at the Kaiseki Chef Counter, CHAYA Modern Izakaya is a vibrant experience in a spirited atmosphere offering individual culinary adventures by way of service, technique, presentation and flavor!
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
