Kira is coming up on its first anniversary, yet the hip Mediterranean/Japanese fusion restaurant has recently introduced several changes to keep its fans intrigued. Not including the new Kira Omakase experience in the space that Ohm Lounge used to occupy, exciting menu offerings will keep them coming back.
Entering Kira feels like you teleported to Miami or Los Angeles. The intensely sexy vibes are not of this city. The beaded serpentines swirling around the ceiling lead your eyes to the mirrored walls and warm backlighting. The moody orange/red atmosphere feels like love. We sat in the now glass enclosed patio space that still allowed filtered sunset light to enter.
I didn't expect to see sangria offered here as it is neither western Mediterranean nor Japanese. However, Kiki's Secret Sangria comes out in a crystal pitcher that can serve four (take that literally or you'll take the rest to go). Metaxa in the mix brings in a richer taste that complements the peach puree. I liked that it was not too sugary sweet as some sangrias can be.
Starting with the Raw Vibes section of the menu, multiple types of tartare looked appetizing. I would have mistaken the Wagyu Beef Tartare that I selected for tuna. The A5 Waygu was so fresh and vibrantly red in the bowl, a stark contrast to the green capers and herbs and white crispy garlic chips. The viscous sauce with egg yolk captured all of the herbaceous additions and contributed to the fresh flavor.
Moving south to the Cold Shoulder selections, a homey helping of Hummus created the standard to measure the depths of fusion possible here. Indeed, the new Caviar Toast had a healthy dollop of glimmering black caviar atop the brioche. The exquisite caviar was brightened with a bit of lemon and chive. I recommend eating the delicacy in two to three bites and really savoring the flavor of the sea.
How could I resist a drink that has "Kira Magic" listed as one of the ingredients? I also recognized A Little Bit Dangerous as a chorus lyric from Ariana Grande's "Into You," one of my very few secret pop indulgences (to be fair, that song has an Elvis lyric also in the chorus). It's not the Mijenta Tequila, spicy falernum, orange liqueur, bitters, or seltzer that makes this drink a little bit dangerous. It's the lime that is set on fire that sparks when hit with cinnamon dust. This absolutely fulfilled my desire for a tiki drink, and I may be back just for that.
A Little Bit Dangerous got me fired up for the Warm Up menu selections. The Lobster Toast is new as well; a thick slice of toast is cut into four shareable squares before being loaded with generous lumps of lobster and a thick, sultry miso herb butter. Scallions balance out the creaminess. I have to brag about the Kataifi Halloumi; it was the best halloumi I've ever had. The intense chew, the extreme cheesiness really spoke to my '90s kid need for extreme flavor, if you know what I mean. The drizzling of spicy honey (one of my favorite food additions right now) sealed the deal.
I'll admit that I didn't make it to the Kissed By Fire section of the menu simply because the Japanese Wagyu Hot Rock was so much fun and so delicious that I dared not usurp its lingering flavor. In this service, a piping hot black stone is flash fired in front of your eyes. You can place the squares of fresh, tender A5 Wagyu upon it to cook at your leisure and to your desired level of doneness. Some people may want just a kiss of heat while others may prefer to cook a little longer for a full sear. Along with horseradish cream and ginger, the additions of tare sauce, grated daikon, and kombu salt allow you to experiment with flavors. This is not a passive dish to graze upon while having conversation; this is an event.
Kira's immersive and seductive environment is only part of its allure. This fusion menu is unlike anything any other restaurant in this city can provide. See the menu and make reservations here.
