Great Food on the Banks of the Mississippi River

 

Owner: Kunhong Chen
Location: 43 Main St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 612-378-3006
Offers: Dine-in, Take-out, sushi bar, tatami room
Cuisine: Japanese cuisine
Year of establishment: 1982

Before you go to Kikugawa at Riverplace just browse the reviews on the website, and a long string of accolades will tell that you won’t get wrong with this restaurant. Averting the hustle and bustle of downtown Minneapolis, the original owner chose to build it on the banks of the Mississippi River, and is prideful of its spectacular view and tranquil flowing scenery.

Opening in 1982, Kikugawa at Riverplace has been a time-honored establishment that has been serving the neighborhood for over two decades. When asked, customers eagerly tell you how much they like this hidden gem, “This is the only place in town I feel has any idea about what restaurants are like in Japan.” What is so Japanese about Kikugawa?

First off, the stylish décor. Stepping into the restaurant, you will be fully immersed in a cozy and exotic atmosphere, one that you may not be able to find elsewhere except maybe in Japan. The izayaki style restaurant is an ideal choice for group gatherings, boasting a 20-seat sushi bar, several tatami rooms that can seat eight or 16 diners, and also a karaoke bar for customers who hold parties. Japanese ornaments are everywhere. Geisha pictures adorn the wall, together with hanging banners reading “Kikugawa” creating a festive touch.

The beautifully adorned long corridor is an eye catcher. It is like a garden with an arched and covered ceiling complete with hanging green plants that bring a breath of spring to the open space. Large windows provide diners with a stunning view of the gorgeous Minneapolis skyline over the Mississippi, making reservations a necessity on some nights.

Another strongpoint is the authentic Japanese food. Japanese cuisine has been exported to different countries and became popular because of its visually appealing presentation and its strong emphasis on quality and freshness. Each restaurant has its own interpretations. Kikugawa’s version is traditional Japanese cuisine that is prepared in the real Japanese style, and encompasses some parts not universally known to the public, such as Kaiseki Teishoku.

Only fresh seasonal ingredients are used in Kaiseki-ryori which is only available during tea ceremonies and in some traditional restaurants. Usually, kaiseki includes a meal of with many courses including Otoshi, Sashimi, Sushi, Yakitori, Beef, Tempura, or Sunomono which accompanies a bowl of hearty soup, rice, and also green tea and desserts. Owner Kunhong Chen launched this traditional Japanese cuisine, in the interest of bringing more choices to customers. It is a good choice when choosing what to have served to your guests, especially during special events. Although each dish holds only a small serving, it is good to take your time when eating. The rich varieties of food along with their vivid color and vibrant texture will make for a delightful dining experience.

Given a glimpse of the menu, there are clear categories with bountiful choices, including hot and cold appetizers, entrees, sushi, and desserts. The refreshing appetizers are a good choice to start with, and you should consider trying the lightly boiled and salted edamame, or the Yakitori (skewered chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce), then the entrees, such as the classic Shrimp Tempura. The chef at Kikugawa does his own interpretation of this dish adding a special twist coupled with a tasty dipping sauce. Popular with customers, it has become a mainstay of Kikugawa. 

Then it is time to try the sushi. The various shaped and beautifully presented sushi is another crowd pleaser. The a la carte sushi menu contains just about everything: crab meat, tuna, and eel. Making sushi pleasing to both the eyes and palate is hard as it sounds. It is an edible art that can take years to master. Mr. Chen has more than 20 years of experience in cooking Japanese cuisine, and knows the techniques required to create the best sushi possible.

“Quality ingredients are a must,”says Mr. Chen.

At Kikugawa, a quality driven concept has been instilled in the management, and you may sense it immediately when you plunge your fork into the sushi, sashimi or other delicately prepared food. A sheer selection of sushi may make you dizzy, but don’t worry. The knowledgeable staff is available to guide you through the dazzling selection of menu items. In addition, you may sit around the sushi bar and watch how the chef carefully slices, cuts, or dices the tuna and eel, then arranges it so as to whet the appetite.

There are also some creative rolls available. These beautifully prepared rolls include the Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, and Cucumber Roll. They make take a little while longer to make but are definitely worth the wait. The Dragon Roll is made with shrimp, eel, and also avocado in order to balance the nutrients, and tossed with dipping sauce. As the name implies, it is presented like a magic dragon. Mr. Chen always comes up with some creative ideas to surprise customers.

Mr. Chen is never afraid of creation. He can make a Dragon Roll, and come up with many more rolls based on the seasonality of ingredients. Over 20 years of experience have lent him profound insight into Japanese cuisine and also a keen eye to details.

Kikugawa opened 28 years ago, and then was taken over by Mr. Chen in 2002. During these years, Kikugawa has witnessed the influx of Japanese restaurants into the area. Even with new entrants to the local Japanese restaurant scene, Kikugawa has still been able to outwit the competition and continue to prosper.