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Newly Opened Kona Grill in Oak Brook
© Oak Park Journal photo

Kona Grill in Oak Brook
review by Ed Vincent

Kona Grill just recently opened its newest store in Oak Brook, at
the Oak Brook Promenade, 3051 Butterfield Road, a short ride
down the road from Oak Park. Now having eaten there I want
a restaurant in Oak Park or Forest Park...perhaps in the future.

Kona Grill is a delight from any angle that you choose, their
chefs are wonderful, the selection of entrees one of the most
diverse to be found anywhere, something for every pallet-
even vegetarian sushi. Cheeseburgers, to the most discriminating
items from the sea, cooked and not, look at the menu and you
will probably find something familiar and something totally new,
feed your appetite and try some adventure.

This is a new restaurant, and so it should look nice and clean,
but the design goes further than that. The inside is very inviting
and comfortable, mixed with the exotic drama of a 2000 gallon
salt water aquarium. The relaxed lighting and comfortable seats
are spaced generously about the room.

The wait staff has been trained for weeks to understand all the
terms and procedures for the varied menu. The key for me was
the polite waitress, informed and friendly, and a choice of foods
that circles the globe. I am not and have not been a lover of
sushi. I have had sushi in many locations around the world, and
places the have sushi have little or nothing for persons who do
not wish to eat sushi. Kona Grill is perfect blend of grand
master sushi and fancy plain cooking from meat loaf to pizza.

Once we had set our sights on the new Kona Grill in Oak Brook
I thought of some of my friends who love and know sushi, some
are in Europe and some are hours away. I thought of new friend of mine, the master artist and cartoonist for DC Comics, Marvel
Comics and a host of other venues--Mr. Gene Ha. Gene and his
wife Lisa accompanied my wife and I for a short ride and a
treat to be remembered. Gene was impressed with the display
and taste of the varied sushi items, both he and Lisa are connoisseurs
of sushi. I enjoyed the presentations of the food, as well as the
fine sauces and flavor of the tuna- a great fish to start with when
trying sushi for the first time. My wife had the Hawaiian pizza and
I tried the fancy meat loaf. Gene had a pulled pork sandwich and
the sushi was an appetizer for the four of us. I am already
looking to return with some business associates and try some new
things on the menu.

The taste of the food was delicious, beautiful in presentation,
and brought with a smile and helpful attendants. The Oak Brook
Kona Grill is a classy place, easy to get to, and well worth the
drive. I thought that the price for the items was a great value
and would be so even if they were increased by 50% or more.
You should figure about $15.00 a person for the average meal-
and that is a real bargain.

"Highly recommended for a great Epicurean adventure." OPJ

Find more information and menus on the Kona Grill website
at www.konagrill.com

For general information on sushi terms and more.
http://www.sushifaq.com/

Sushi at the Newly Opened Kona Grill in Oak Brook
© Oak Park Journal photo

Kona Grill Opens in Oak Brook Promenade October 25th
New Restaurant To Partner With First Folio

(Oak Brook, October 16, 2006)— Kona Grill brings its eclectic take on American favorites and award-winning sushi to the Oak Brook Promenade, 3051 Butterfield Road, when it opens its doors on October 25, 2006.

Kona Grill’s recipe for contemporary elegance includes soft lighting, a 2,000-gallon seawater aquarium filled with exotic fish; granite sushi bar; a stylish lounge and climate-controlled outdoor patio area. The diverse menu emphasizes the restaurant’s use of fresh ingredients and original recipes. Featured dishes are enhanced by some 40
savory sauces prepared fresh daily, and include everything from steak and sushi to Five-Spice Baby Back ribs and pizzas. Signature entrees include Macadamia Nut Chicken, Lemon Grass Crusted Swordfish, Roasted Asparagus Salad, Big Island Meat Loaf and
Sweet Chili-Glazed Salmon.

“The Oak Brook Promenade is perfect for Kona Grill,” says Kona Grill General Manager Mike Kaspar. “We look forward to providing a distinctive dining experience for our Oak Brook guests in such a beautiful setting.”

Prior to its public opening, the restaurant will join with First Folio Shakespeare Festival and friends to celebrate the popular production company’s 10th anniversary. First Folio is one of the fastest growing equity theaters in the U.S., and is capturing regional media attention. It received great reviews recently in both the Daily Herald and
Chicago Tribune, and earlier this month was featured on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight. “We’re thrilled that Kona Grill is going to help us not only to recognize a milestone, but also to celebrate our future,” says First Folio Artistic Director Alison Vesely. “We’re not sitting on our laurels. We plan to set even higher standards for ourselves.”
The October 23 event, “An Artful Evening”, will include cocktails, appetizers, and a special dinner featuring some of Kona Grill’s signature dishes and sushi creations.

Kona Grill’s expert sushi chefs assist both enthusiasts and newcomers in defining their tastes with favorites like Albacore
Tataki and Spicy Tuna Rolls. Creative sushi rolls include the Caterpillar, a Kona Grill original. The restaurant’s extensive appetizer menu includes Avocado Egg Rolls with honey-cilantro dipping sauce; Kona Potstickers filled with pan-seared chicken and fresh vegetables; and Kona’s top-selling Calamari, served with a spicy Aioli dipping sauce. Diners choose from a list of rich dessert favorites and
refreshing rewards, including Macadamia Nut Pie, Kona’s Ultimate Fudge Brownie, Key Lime Pie and Passion Fruit Crème Brulee.
At the heart of Kona Grill’s lively nightlife is the heated outdoor patio. Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, and features daily drink specials, half-price appetizers, pizzas and
selected sushi rolls. Reverse Happy Hour is from 9-11 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, and 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Restaurant hours are Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Lunch is served until 4 p.m. daily. Reservations are welcome at (630)-515-8395. All major credit cards are accepted. Free parking is available in front of the restaurant.
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Kona Grill features American favorites and award winning-sushi in a casually elegant atmosphere. Original sauces, fresh seafood, lively nightlife and dramatic interiors contribute to a superior value at moderate prices. Founded in 1998 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kona Grill Inc. (NASDAQ:KONA) has grown to 13 restaurants and is guided by
a passion for quality food and personal service. Kona Grill restaurants are currently located in eight states: Scottsdale, Arizona; Chandler, Arizona; Kansas City, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; Denver, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; Carmel, Indiana; Sugar
Land, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Lincolnshire, Illinois; Houston, Texas; and Oak Brook, Illinois. Find more information on Kona Grill at www.konagrill.com

Lisa and Gene Ha at the Kona Grill in Oak Brook
© Oak Park Journal photo

The "Forty-Niners" DC Comic Book-Illustrated by Oak Park Award
Winning Artist Gene Ha
" A wild ride of drama, controversy, and art" OPJ

Gene Ha Website

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