Kimski is a Korean Polish fusion place connected to Maria's Packaged Goods which is a pretty cool speakeasy type bar that we went to for Halloween. Kimski was started by Maria's very own son chef Won Kim so this whole place is a family business that works well together. Not only can you get into Kimski from Maria's but when you're drinking late and want a cool bite to eat, Kimski is right there basically in the bar.
I've been told about Kimski from one of the guys in the program with me, Kaleb. He was telling me about them more to check out the branding (very cool and totally my aesthetic) but he said it was an interesting fusion to check out too since he knows I like trying new food too. Since some of us in the program went for Halloween I tasted some food that others shared with me and after Typeforce we decided to go for some late night snacks again.
LOCATION: 954-960 W 31ST ST., CHICAGO, IL 60608
It was super fun the first time around because of Halloween and we went to celebrate someone's birthday, but this time was more relaxed which I enjoyed. I went with Alex and Nina, both designers in the program and we grabbed a drink at the bar in Maria's then went into Kimski and luckily found a table to eat. It was for sure my lucky night because the bar ran out of coke for my rum and coke and gave me an extra drink to make up for it so I was already pretty content there.
For food, Nina and I decided to share a little and we ordered the Scallion Potato Pancakes and Sausage plate which were both really filling and super tasty. The potato pancakes have smoked pork shoulder, scallions, kimchi of the day, soy cream, sesame seeds, and sesame leaves. This is a pretty great dish, heavy but so good while you're drinking and makes you feel grounded. The same goes for the sausage plate. This dish comes with their signature sausage plated with three small polish/Korean inspired sides, mustard, and 'kraut chi'. Not as beautiful to look at but still tasty and flavorful. All this food is weighty which I kinda like when I'm at a bar because it doesn't leave me feeling hungry and makes me feel like the alcohol is being soaked up well aka lets me drink more.
I like Kimski as an addition to Maria's for sure. I don't know that I would go just to eat food but if it was a casual drinks and snacks type of outing, Kimski doesn't let down.