Sept. 12--Japonais by Morimoto (600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-822-9600), a chic Japanese restaurant that once was one of Chicago's most hip dining destinations, is calling it quits.
The restaurant will close its doors in a month; the final night of service will be Oct. 10.
In a release, Japonais' principals said the team "is humbled and thankful to have contributed to a thriving restaurant community in Chicago, and has enjoyed the past 12 incredible years."
The restaurant opened as Japonais in summer 2003; the partnership at that time included Miae Lim, owner of Mirai Sushi. Co-chefs were Jun Ichiwaka, who remains with Mirai Sushi, and Gene Kato, chef and owner of Sumi Robata Grill in River North.
Chef Morimoto was brought on board, and the restaurant name was adjusted, in February 2014, and for a time that injected new life and interest in the restaurant.
Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic.
pvettel@tribune.com
Twitter @philvettel
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