Shochu

Lynne Wallack and John Handler (the husband-and-wife team behind Deleece) have partnered with Deleece’s exec chef Josh Hansen to open what they're calling an "American shochu lounge" in the former Platiyo address in Lakeview. 

The restaurant-lounge, which features an Asian-edged contemporary American small plates menu, is named after shochu, the distilled Japanese spirit that’s made from raw materials like rice, barley, wheat and potatoes. It’ll be used in lieu of vodka in bloody
marys and blended with ingredients like guava, ginger and green apple for fruity cocktails. Wallack tells us to expect a contemporary menu laced with familiar American foods, but they’re adding Asian flair (think short ribs or spareribs with Asian twists), plus spins on Japanese yakitori grilled skewers and Thai curries, plus a few maki choices.

The lounge-y decor features a contemporary black, olive green and white color scheme with couch and table seating, plus a fireplace and subtle Asian touches.