Kasama — Summer 2025 Visit to a Chicago Michelin-Starred Gem

It’s been a while since my first winter visit, but since Kasama is near my place, I wasn’t in a hurry to return. Then I spotted a last-minute single reservation and grabbed it. My husband wanted to join, so I tried calling to change it to a two-top — but the line was busy (they’re that popular!). We walked in anyway, and Chef Tim recognized me and waved us to a table. 📧 Tip: If you need to change party size, email a few days ahead — phones are often overwhelmed. 🦪 Caviar & Hamachi Tart — still with the smoky reveal, still delicious. 🌯 Spring Roll with Oyster — filled with radish and served with a mescal-green mango oyster. Bright, spicy, refreshing. 🍹 Non-alcoholic “Beekeeper” — honey, watermelon, lemon juice. Previously à la carte, now part of the pairing — all drinks were excellent. 🥟 Duck & Foie Gras “Siomai” — still called a dumpling despite protests, still packed with flavor. 🐟 Salmon & Roe — now with crispy fish skin (like chicharron) — a tasty upgrade. 🍝 Squid Ink Noodles — looks like pasta, inspired by Filipino street noodles, topped with bottarga and seasoned with sumac. More layered than the winter version. 🧀 Halloumi Cheese (sub for lamb) — I don’t eat lamb, so they surprised me with this goat/sheep milk cheese. Less gamey, pleasantly chewy — loved it! 🥩 A5 Wagyu with Caramelized Onions — even the sauce was drinkable. 🍧 Halo-Halo Upgrade — melon, pandan, condensed milk, reminiscent of childhood shaved ice. (Note: Daytime menu may have removed this.) 👩🍳 Chat with Genie — she served the truffle croissant and shaved truffle at our table. She mentioned they’ll soon be fully staffed, so the chefs can step back from daily cooking. They’re also taking a break in mid-August — first real vacation since opening! ⚠️ August visitors: check their schedule to avoid a closed door. Kasama: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 #ChicagoEats #MichelinStar #Kasama #FilipinoFineDining #ChicagoFoodie #TastingMenu