Last night (Wednesday, August 2, 2017), LA-based Innovative Dining Group (IDG) rolled out the red carpet for the star-studded grand opening celebration of their highly-lauded Robatayaki-style concept, Katana, in Chicago at 339 N Dearborn Street. More than 500 VIP guests welcomed the new Japanese restaurant in River North, and enjoyed authentic Robatayaki skewers, innovative sushi, specialty cocktails with Absolut Elyx and Tequila Avión. VIP hosts dressed by Tadashi Shoji graced the room while transportation was provided by Tesla.
Noteworthy celebrities included Chris Lee of the American musical Hamilton (who gave a riveting performance of one of his songs for party-goers), professional basketball player Jimmy Butler, former NFL quarterback Tony Romo, rapper/actor Shad Gregory Moss (aka Bow Wow), actress Serayah McNeill of television show Empire, actor Andre Bellos of Empire and Spike Lee film Chi-Raq, and Chicago Fire (NBC) actors Christian Stolte and Eamonn Walker. Please see photos below.
IDG is operated by hospitality partners Lee Maen, Philip Cummins and Craig Katz – the founders and creators of iconic restaurant brands with roots worldwide, including BOA Steakhouse, Sushi Roku, ROKU, and Robata Bar. Katana captures the essence of authentic Robatayaki, a cutting-edge form of traditional Japanese BBQ, offering the best of both worlds—exceptional raw and cooked cuisine. Guests can look forward to customary styles of Japanese comfort food, featuring robata-style dishes, alongside innovative sushi masterpieces.
