Pop-Up Dinner by Former Kumiko/Kikko Chef 🕯️

I’ve written before about Kikko, the fine-dining spot in Kumiko’s basement that closed during the pandemic. Now, its former chef Mariya Moore-Russell is hosting pop-up dinners inspired by her upbringing. 🦪 Sunflower Seed Cracker with Mussel + Caviar 🧄 Truffle Deviled Egg + Lettuce-Wrapped Shrimp Toast Served champagne-style — guests lined up 2–3 times because everything was so delicious. 🍲 Chicken Dashi – Rich and savory at first, but got salty toward the end — would’ve been perfect with udon or rice. 🐟 Roasted Sea Bass – With apple miso glaze, charred cabbage, spinach salad, and chicken giblet rice. The rice was a star — fried chicken livers mixed into fragrant rice. 🍐 Grandma’s Pear Chiffon Cake – Tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with brown sugar whipped cream — pure comfort. Like Kumiko/Kikko, each course came with thoughtful alcohol or non-alc pairings. Price felt a bit steep, but including drinks made it worthwhile. Mariya’s still a way from opening her own restaurant, but this pop-up is a taste of what’s to come. Book via OpenTable: Connie’s Underground — location revealed after booking. #ConnieUnderground #PopUpDining #ChefMariya #KumikoAlum #ChicagoEats #SecretDinner