Kona Grill, a national chain with the feeling of a local dining spot

[rating=4] I have driven down Milwaukee Avenue in Lincolnshire many times, and yet, have never ventured in to the plaza at Aptakisic and Milwaukee where several dining spots are located. Tonight, as requested by several readers, we went to the Kona Grill, an Asian-American restaurant with over 40 locations nationwide. It is a larger dining room with a nice bar as well as some great out-door seating for a nice evening (or even an afternoon, unless it is sizzling hot). While this is a national chain, from our entry through the course of our dining experience, I never felt that we were in a “chain”. Our server and the management team made us feel as this was not our first visit ( based on the experience, it will not be our last).

FYI- I went online to http://www.konagrill.comand joined their Kona “dining” club. It put me on their mailing list, but of greater importance, just by signing up to get e-mail notices, I was sent a FREE appetizer coupon which we used on tonight’s visit. Great marketing plan and it sure makes you feel good. I also read that they have “Happy Hour” EVERY day, with great drinks and foods for special reduced prices ( I think half off). This is from  3 p.m.-7 p.m. and rumor has it, even on Sundays. WOW!

Since we were going to the movies (the Lincolnshire location is very close to The Regal Theatre- we saw “Wonder Woman”) we just had a few appetizers, salads and sushi. The menu is very complete with great offerings to please even the pickiest of eaters. We enjoyed the pot-stickers (seared chicken and veggies) as well as the avocado egg roll, a unique was of eating avocado. Barry, who took the photos, always has soup with his dinner and enjoyed the  Miso. Casey had the salad topped with a beautiful piece of salmon and he had just the house salad, knowing what we would share for our dessert.

Jane and I decided to give the sushi a try ,and  so we ordered three rolls, all tasty and filling. The menu is very special with a full array of sandwiches, Flatbreads, stir-fry, sea bass, steaks, Jambalaya (a specialty) and chicken . I would think if one came back each day and had another selection, it would take several weeks to taste or shall we say test the entire menu. Based on what I saw going to the tables surrounding us and the looks on the faces at those tables, I would have to think, it is worth the trip. By the way, there is also a location in Oakbrook at 3051 Butterfield.

Since we were off to the movies and knew we would have popcorn, we opted to share one desert. Barry had been to Kona before and suggested the carrot cake- the slice of cake reminded me of one of my favorite comedians, Jackie Mason. He did a bit about the difference between Gentiles and Jews after a night at the theater. The Gentiles want to o out for a drink and the Jews, a piece of cake. When the Gentiles see a huge slice of cake brought to their table, they think it’s a party and start singing “Happy Birthday”. Same piece of cake at the table filled with the Jews, they say, “What, you made the portions smaller!” We sang Happy Birthday!

Kona Grill is a fun-filled place with something for everyone and is also family-friendly with items the kids will love and prices that make the meal affordable. The Lincolnshire location is 940 N. Milwaukee Avenue and they are open 11 a.m.- 10 p.m., but just to be sure, visit www.konagrill.com. Phone number is 847-955-1210.

By the way, you are very close to Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, so add this to the spots you visit before attending their great productions.