June 29--Chicago has hot-dog stands. New York has pizza-by-the-slice shops. In Seattle, the big deal is teriyaki; the city has dozens of fast-casual teriyaki shops. And now, Chicago can discover why they're so popular.
Glaze Teriyaki Grill (3112 N. Broadway, 773-698-8669) opens its first Midwest location Tuesday in Lakeview. The chain has three stores in New York and two in San Francisco.
"In the early 2000s, there were more teriyaki shops in Seattle than all other fast-food types combined," said Paul Krug, Seattle native and Glaze's co-founder. "It's basically a healthy, made-from-scratch lunch or dinner option. We grew up on it; then we leave town and realize that this isn't anywhere else."
Protein-sauce-rice is the basic entree combo; Glaze will offer chicken thigh and breast, hanger steak, salmon, pork, vegetables and tofu. All entrees will be available in gluten-free versions. Starters include gyoza, charred pork ribs and cold soba-noodle salad. Beverages include coconut water and sodas, with a BYO option for alcohol.
And what makes "Seattle-style" teriyaki unique? "There's more Korean influence in the sauce, and it's a bit thicker," Krug said.
"Our focus is on local and fresh and all-natural ingredients, and as much organic as we can squeeze in," he added. "Everything's made in-house daily."
