- Michael Gebert
- Kurumaya in Elk Grove Village
During the course of my interview with Japan-obsessed cook Scott Malloy yesterday, we got to talking about what Japanese restaurants we liked, especially in the suburbs around O’Hare, where there are a number of authentic ones serving the employees of Japanese companies based near the airport. Many were ones we both knew, but his absolute favorite was one completely unknown to me—though, as it turns out, he heard about it from a mutual friend (thank you, Charlotte Tan). It’s Kurumaya, a little Japanese spot in Elk Grove Village which you’d never stumble upon even on a visit to Mitsuwa Market—it’s truly hidden, tucked away in a strip mall located deep in the suburb.
Michael Gebert
The menu illustrated by the chef
Michael Gebert
It’s a book of all the dishes, hand illustrated by the owner in colored pencil. It’s an almost magical artifact that feels like a Victorian’s little book of nature drawings, maybe with a touch of the obsessiveness of Henry Darger illustrating the adventures of the Vivian Girls thrown in. I am instantly in love with this restaurant too.
- Michael Gebert
- Scott and Becky Malloy
Kurumaya, 1201 E. Higgins Road, Elk Grove Village, 847-437-2222.
