 Chaya Venice Restaurant Review: The ultimate Venice hangout, Chaya's patrons are a mix of local artists, yuppies who patronize them, and the occasional showbiz type. The vibrant room offers seating options to please everyone, including white cloth-topped tables, booths, a sushi bar and lounge. Like at his flagship Chaya in Beverly Hills, executive chef Shigefumi Tachibe spotlights Euro-Asian cuisine. Chef de cuisine Yuichi Natori oversees the kitchen here. Start off with escargots en cocotte or Vietnamese spring rolls stuffed with shrimp and snow crab. Seafood is the main focus here, with preparations ranging from soy-glazed black cod to New York steak-wrapped scallops with Pommery mustard to a bouillabaisse full of saffron and garlic that could have come directly from the docks of Marseille. Look out for the special themed menus that are offered from time to time --- we particularly enjoyed a crab tamale with smoked chili sauce featured during their Dungeness crab fest. For dessert, opt for the Fuji apple tarte Tatin or the milk chocolate croissant bread pudding. The wine list is intriguing and will reward your explorations, but be sure to also browse the selection of sake and Supreme Leaf teas.
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