The Connoisseur Reports: Blade Runner Themed Underground Ramen Bar Opens In Philly
The Connoisseur is a food themed segment that happens live every Friday morning on The Preston & Steve Show. Host Preston Elliot puts on his chef hat and reports on the latest food and restaurant headlines.
Glu Hospitality is proud to introduce a Blade Runner themed, late night underground ramen bar. It’s called Chika, which is a Japanese word meaning basement, cellar, underground place.
The eatery’s goal is to bring together foodies, the sci-fi geeks and the pop culture fans! Chika takes inspiration from the popular cult classic that features Harrison Ford in the famous noodle bar scene. The design comes from award-winning architects and designers BOXwood. It features a unique aesthetic that includes neon, shiny chrome and metal accents. The mirror and reflectors, tiled floors, diner barstools, custom slate bar top, graffiti and original artwork complete the vibe.
In the kitchen you’ll find Thai born and Japanese trained Executive Chef Dean Leevongcharoen. He is a graduate of Penn State School of Hospitality Management. Foodies may know him from his former spot, Ramen Bar, in University City.
Wake Up, Time To Die!
On the menu, look for five styles of ramen – including the signature Tonkotsu Chashumen – Chika’s signature hakata style “tonkotsu” (pork bone broth boiled over 24 hrs) noodle soup topped with marinated chashu pork, shiitake, menma, red pickled ginger, sesame, scallions and drizzled with roasted garlic oil (served with straight noodle).
At the bar, you’ll find movie inspired cocktails. Fans will appreciate the names which include Deckard, Hannibal Chew, Syrup Nexus-Six, Roy Batty, More Human Than Human and Electric Sheep. The drink menu also features a heavy focus on sake, wine, and local and Japanese beers. There is also selection of mocktails available.
Chicka is located at 1526 Sansom Street, lower level, beneath the new Rittenhouse Bagels and Co. It’s open Sunday to Thursday, 4:00pm to Midnight (Kitchen closes 11:00pm) and Friday to Saturday, 4:00pm to 2:00am (Kitchen closes 1:00am). chikaramenbar.com.
