Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

This DIY barbecue chain has extended its reach to Chicago, and nearly every gas grill–outfitted table in the swank Gold Coast digs is filled with Japanese expats, apparently jonesing for a taste of this Korean-Japanese hybrid. Kimchi brings some Korean flair to the start of the meal that continues with plates bearing marinated raw meats, seafood and veggies. Cooking the food yourself takes some practice, and you don’t want to burn pricey Kobe beef, so stick with the more affordable but incredibly tender kalbi; don’t forget to add on the bacon-like pork jowl and buttery Japanese sweet potatoes.