If you’re the type that enjoys a cocktail or two in Chicago, you’ve very likely been down to Three Dots and A Dash. For those who are not acquainted with the tropical escape, Three Dots and a Dash is a popular Polynesian paradise hidden below the bustling streets of River North.
The award-winning bar from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is widely considered one of the best cocktail bars in Chicago for its finely crafted and elaborately presented exotic cocktails.
Cocktail expert Kevin Beary leads a dedicated team that concocts drinks using the freshest exotic fruits, flowers, spices, syrups, and elixirs before presenting them in tiki totems, clamshell bowls, treasure chests, and other ostentatious tiki containers.
Next month, however, the popular Polynesian escape will forgo its Tiki theme and instead transform into a Japanese-inspired listening bar pop-up named “Tokyo Last Call”.
Sponsored by Suntory and -196, the Japanese-inspired listening bar concept series will offer a luxury lineup of specialty cocktails throughout the month of April in collaboration with award-winning bars from Japan.
According to the release, the team is partnering with “Asia’s 50 Best Bar Trench, the World’s 50 Best Katana Kitten, the World’s 50 Best SG Club, and Bar Goto.”
Beverage Director Kevin Beary and Bar Manager Scott Kitsmiller are launching the pop-up with the aim of transporting guests to Japan’s vibrant cocktail scene without having to leave Chicago.
“Our goal with Tokyo Last Call is to create a fully immersive cocktail experience that transports guests through music, drinks, and atmosphere,” says Beverage Director Kevin Beary. “This is a one-of-a-kind chance to taste original creations from Japan’s most world-renowned bar talent in a hyper-curated space.”
Japanese bars and guest bartenders “known for their expertise and passion for music and playlist creation” will collaborate directly with the Three Dots and a Dash bar team says the release. Music will emanate from a retro jukebox, “spinning vinyl 45s carefully curated for an unmatched experience.”
A menu of six specialty cocktails will utilize spirits from Suntory’s portfolio and feature a selection of exclusive and rare Japanese whiskeys that will also be available for select pours with a guided tasting led by the central US Suntory brand ambassador, Davey Jones.
The series schedule is as follows:
Bar Goto: April 4-7 (Guest Bartender and Founder: Kenta Goto)
Katana Kitchen: April 11-14 (Guest Bartender: to be confirmed)
Bar Trench: April 18-21 (Guest Bartender and Founder: Rogerio Igarashi)
SG Club: April 25-28 (Guest Bartender and Former Beverage Director of Speak Low: Takumi Hoshi)
[Featured image from Three Dots and a Dash]