This Fall, Lombardi Concepts is opening their third restaurant at Legacy West in Plano; Taverna opened in November 2017, and Toulouse opened March 2018. KĀI is an original Japanese-themed concept with a robatayaki kitchen.
KĀI, Lombardi’s first full Asian concept, located directly above Toulouse. With a huge terrace, space for a DJ and live music as well as a robata, KĀI promises to be unlike any other previous Lombardi restaurant.
“They’ll be sushi, sashimi, duck, more Japanese cuisine than anything else. I want to put Peking Duck because I love it … That one goes for sure,”Alberto Lombardi told Plano Profile in an interview for our Men’s Issue.
Here Robert Clayton, COO, Lombardi Family Concepts and Executive Chef King Dey give us a sneak peek into what to expect from the new location.
What was the inspiration for the interior and design of the restaurant?
Robert Clayton, COO, Lombardi Family Concepts: We were inspired by Asian design and used organic materials such as granite, marble, natural wood and brass to create a serene, zen-like environment. The added pops of color and natural light are modern touches that truly begin the KĀI experience from the moment our guests walk in the door.
What should people expect when they come in?
Robert: The restaurant is split into two different areas (restaurant and lounge) and each of these areas feature a separate patio area perfect for enjoying a cocktail after a nice dinner. There is a sushi bar and robata grill center stage as they enter the restuarant. Guests should expect a space that is comfortable yet elegant.
What kind of food should people expect to see on the menu?
Executive Chef King Dey: KĀI will serve classic Asian (Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malay and more) dishes with a modern touch. We will also have a broad range of Pan Asian dishes featured on the menu. At the front of the restaurant there will be dishes being cooked live on the robata grill providing a little bit of entertainment and of course they can also choose items from our sushi menu.
What’s the one dish that kind of lets people know what you guys are about?
Chef Dey: KĀI is much more than just one dish – it’s a whole journey through far east Asia right in the heart of Plano. However, if we had to choose an item that really highlights the unique menu, that would be the “TUNA PIZZA” as it encompasses all of the unique flavors KĀI provides.
How did you build out the menu?
Chef Dey: The menu is structured with the most popular dishes from Asia and a touch of modern elements from Europe and America. I used my experience living and working all over Asia – Japan, China and Thailand – to create a culinary journey that will transfer our guests to the far east using the finest, freshest and most authentic ingredients.
How does this concept compare to other Lombardi restaurants?
Robert: You can expect the same friendly, personalized service and a chef driven menu that all Lombardi Family Concepts always provide to their guest. KĀI is unique in that it’s a restaurant combined with the elegant lounge that allows diners to have a complete evening of drinks, entertainment and a great culinary experience under one roof, any day of the week.
KĀI
7301 Windrose Avenue, Plano (at Legacy West)
Opening soon
