When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Kasama Tastings
Why Kasama Tastings is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Kasama Tastings, located in Chicago's East Village, offers a unique and elevated Filipino dining experience that blends tradition with fine dining finesse. Founded by husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, this spot is celebrated as the world's first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant, inviting guests to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine in an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Whether enjoying breakfast, lunch, or a tasting dinner, visitors find a menu thoughtfully crafted to highlight Filipino culinary heritage with modern twists, such as the bagoong XO sauce infused with Serrano ham and inventive desserts like the truffle croissant and Ube Basque cake. The venue features a bakery hatch and café-style seating, making it an accessible and comfortable place to gather and savor authentic Filipino flavors. Kasama's commitment to accessibility without pretense makes it a great place to meet friends and share a memorable meal steeped in culture and innovation.
Here's what people think of Kasama Tastings
As of recent, Kasama Tastings holds a 5-star rating based on 16 reviews.
Reviews of Kasama consistently highlight its exceptional food quality and warm, welcoming service. Patrons appreciate the balance Kasama strikes between fine dining and a comfortable, neighborhood vibe. The tasting menu receives particular praise for its explosive flavor combinations and culinary creativity, with dishes like the smoky kinilaw (hamachi ceviche), foie gras siomai, and chicken adobo with mussel emulsion being frequent favorites. Customers value the hospitality as much as the cuisine, noting that staff offer an informative, friendly experience that puts diners at ease, removing the usual intimidation that fine dining can bring. On the positive side, many reviewers praise the thoughtful fusion of traditional Filipino elements with broader influences from Spain, China, and Southeast Asia, making dishes both familiar and exciting. The bakery items are also noted as delightful treats, perfect for sharing or taking home. Negative comments are minimal but occasionally mention the higher price point of the tasting menu, which could be a consideration for more casual diners. Overall, reviews paint Kasama as a standout culinary destination that elevates Filipino cuisine to new heights while remaining approachable, making it an excellent choice for both special occasions and casual gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ty Gayeski
Everything about the Kasama Tastings experience was excellent, from booking to wine selection to recommending a Posh Picnic location to including delicious charcuterie. Kristine was knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Love that this business exists. I would highly recommend as well as repeat!
Alexander Tran
I had an amazing time with friends at a Kasama Tasting! Kristine, our host, was extremely knowledgeable about the variety of wines we tried. We had a mix of reds and whites, but more importantly non-alcoholic options as well which was a first for me! I appreciated Kristine’s attention to detail and the context she gave on each glass. It was interesting to also learn about local wines in Texas as someone who just moved here. With a very diverse group in regard to wine experience and palettes, what I most loved was how inclusive the entire tasting was! I would highly recommend for a group of friends or co workers. As someone who is traveling to wine country in Portugal soon, I feel much more confident on the wines I prefer and others I should venture to try out!
Jenny Duong
Truly blown away with the elevated experience we had with Kasama Tastings! The team was so thoughtful with each detail that went into planning the event, whether it was the materials, the decorations, the selected wines - they took wine tastings to the next level. I love how much they value inclusivity and togetherness with their selection of wines and lessons. They ensure that everyone will find something they enjoy, with a diverse mix of different wines fitting to your group's budget and preferences. They also provide non-alcoholic options which cater well to diverse groups of mixed people who prefer to drink vs. prefer not to drink alcohol. This is a great activity for any kind of work events, networking, family and friend hangouts, celebrations, you name it! The team is extremely knowledgeable and I love the way they dive into the details, but make it very interactive and a fun learning experience. I walked away from the event learning so much more about wine and now I have a deeper appreciation for it. I would highly recommend Kasama Tastings!
Stephanie Sakay
My friend hosted a home wine tasting using Kasama Tastings and it was amazing! Kristine was so lovely, knowledgeable and patient answering all our novice wine questions. The selection had a range and the overall experience was beautifully done, thank you Kristine!
J S
I had a great time at Kasama Tasting with Kristine! She was a super knowledgeable and friendly host, and she showed us some really tasty wines, including some non-alcoholic options. We learned a lot about different types of wine, where they come from, and what to look for in a good glass. Kristine did a great job of picking out a variety of wines to please everyone in our group, and the non-alcoholic wines were surprisingly delicious. Overall, it was a really fun and informative experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in wine.
How to reach Kasama Tastings
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Why Kasama Tastings may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Kasama Tastings with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family at Kasama Tastings is a highly rewarding choice because this venue blends exceptional culinary artistry, an intimate atmosphere, and a personalized experience that lifts any social event into a memorable celebration. Kasama Tastings is renowned for introducing guests to the richly flavorful world of Filipino cuisine through its modern fine dining and tasting menu format. This is not just a meal—it's an adventure in taste that invites chatter, shared discovery, and the joy of exploring new flavors together. The welcoming yet sophisticated ambiance strikes a perfect balance that allows groups to feel comfortable and engaged, whether they are seasoned food enthusiasts or casual diners.
Moreover, Kasama provides an immersive experience where service is attentive without being intrusive, fostering an environment ideal for connection and conversation. With a perfect 5.0 rating from multiple reviews, patrons often praise the thoughtful presentation of dishes and the knowledgeable staff who facilitate an enriching gastronomic journey. Choosing Kasama means your group will not only enjoy phenomenal food but also create lasting memories in a venue designed to enhance companionship through shared culinary delight.
What kind of activities and experiences does Kasama Tastings offer for groups?
Kasama Tastings specializes in offering a distinguished tasting menu that is both a culinary and cultural journey, making it particularly fitting for group meetups. The primary activity is indulging in their signature tasting menu, which typically features a series of meticulously crafted Filipino-inspired dishes presented in an elegant progression. These dishes often surprise and delight with their complex layering of flavors, such as kinilaw (a Filipino ceviche with ingredients like hamachi, caviar, and coconut cream smoked over cherry wood) and the adored chicken or mushroom adobo served with garlic rice and pickled vegetables—classic Filipino staples elevated with contemporary flair.
Groups can enjoy discovering each dish as a surprise since guests receive the menu only after the meal, which heightens the anticipation and spurs engaging conversation about the flavors and presentations. Kasama's attentive servers provide detailed background and guidance on each dish, enabling everyone—even novices—to feel included and informed throughout the experience.
Additionally, Kasama Tastings offers alcohol pairings with their dishes or non-alcoholic beverage options, like curated rare teas that complement the meal's flavor profiles, adding another layer of sensory pleasure. This thoughtful pairing enhances the group dynamic, as sharing these drinks together can inspire lively discussions about taste preferences and pairings. The venue also offers private and at-home tasting experiences, where a host brings the full tasting setup directly to your location, removing barriers to enjoying this premium experience in a familiar setting—ideal for intimate gatherings or celebrations with friends and family.
Why is Kasama the perfect venue for a group meetup?
Kasama Tastings is ideal for group meetups because it expertly combines intimacy and exclusivity with an approachable, warm environment. The space accommodates a range of group sizes with a focus on personal service that doesn't overwhelm but instead makes each guest feel valued and welcomed. The careful curation of the tasting menu ensures that the meal is an event in itself, fostering a shared experience that goes beyond eating to include education, cultural appreciation, and culinary exploration.
Furthermore, the venue’s commitment to quality and innovation means that the food served is consistently outstanding, offering memorable dishes that spark conversation and enjoyment. The menu changes seasonally or based on availability, guaranteeing a fresh and unique experience with each visit—a significant draw for groups looking to create special moments and revisit Kasama for new culinary adventures.
Kasama’s location in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village adds to its allure, presenting guests with an accessible yet distinctive spot that feels both local and exotic. Groups can enhance their outing by exploring the neighborhood before or after the tasting, creating a full day or evening experience around exceptional food and friendship.
What should groups expect from the tasting menu and service at Kasama?
Groups joining Kasama Tastings can expect an expertly crafted tasting menu that embraces Filipino culinary heritage with a modern twist, served in multiple courses designed to engage the palate and the imagination. Each dish is thoughtfully constructed with high-quality ingredients, emphasizing bold, layered flavors such as tangy vinegars, rich soy sauces, aromatic spices, and unexpected smoky notes. For example, their kinilaw dish combines the brightness of marinated hamachi with the luxurious texture of caviar and the creaminess of coconut, all enhanced by delicate smoke.
The meal’s pacing is carefully managed to allow guests to savor each course without rush while conversation flows naturally. Service staff are knowledgeable and passionate about the cuisine, ready to answer questions, share stories behind dishes, and offer pairing recommendations that heighten the overall experience. This combination of food and service makes Kasama a standout for gatherings that value quality, connection, and new culinary discoveries.
Optional alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink pairings complement the menu courses perfectly. For those interested, Kasama offers refined wine or tea pairings that elevate the tasting journey and foster further enjoyment and dialogue among friends and family. The commitment to attentiveness extends to accommodating dietary preferences or special requests, ensuring that every group member feels included and cared for.
Can Kasama Tastings accommodate special occasions or private events for groups?
Yes, Kasama Tastings is well suited for special occasions and private group events. Its unique combination of sophisticated Filipino cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere creates an unforgettable setting for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, or milestone celebrations. The tasting menu format naturally lends itself to shared enjoyment and meaningful interactions, making it ideal for groups seeking to elevate their time together with a remarkable dining adventure.
Moreover, Kasama offers private tastings and at-home experiences that provide flexibility for groups preferring an exclusive setting or a more personalized event. These services come with the full complement of Kasama’s culinary offerings, including wine or non-alcoholic drink selections, and are led by knowledgeable hosts who tailor the experience to the group’s preferences. This level of customization and expert guidance ensures that every special occasion is marked with elegance, comfort, and culinary excellence.
Groups hosting events at Kasama can also expect meticulous attention to detail, from the timing of courses to personalized service, creating a seamless experience that frees guests to focus on enjoying their company and the exceptional food. The prestige of dining at a Michelin-star-level establishment further enhances the occasion, providing bragging rights and long-lasting memories from the gathering.
What makes Kasama’s culinary offerings stand out from other tasting venues?
Kasama’s culinary offerings stand out because they fuse traditional Filipino flavors with contemporary presentation and technique, bringing Filipinx cuisine to the forefront of modern fine dining. Unlike typical tasting experiences that often alphabetize around European traditions, Kasama boldly showcases the rich, diverse, and complex tastes of the Philippines—many of which remain underrepresented in the fine dining world.
Dishes like their smoked kinilaw, adobo with garlic rice, and an array of sweet and savory pastries show a mastery of balancing acidity, savoriness, and sweetness with textures that surprise and delight the palate. The kitchen’s ability to innovate while honoring tradition captivates diners, leaving them with a fresh appreciation for Filipino food’s depth and versatility.
Beyond taste, Kasama offers stunning presentations that engage the senses visually and aromatically, from smoked dishes served under lids releasing fragrant essences to desserts that combine delicate textures and bold flavors. This attention to detail ensures that every course is a carefully choreographed performance that enhances the overall tasting journey.
What do customer reviews say about group experiences at Kasama Tastings?
Customer reviews consistently emphasize the warm, knowledgeable hospitality and the exceptional quality of the food at Kasama Tastings, highlighting the venue as a standout choice for social gatherings. Many reviewers praise the personalized attention of the hosts—often named Kristine—who expertly guide guests through the tasting process, making wine and non-alcoholic pairings accessible and enjoyable even for novices. The atmosphere is described as inviting and comfortable, with no sense of pretentiousness despite the fine dining setting, which helps groups relax and fully enjoy their experience.
Reviewers frequently mention the excitement generated by the surprise element of the tasting menu, adding to the social fun as groups compare notes and reactions to each course. The flexibility of offering at-home wine or non-alcoholic tastings also expands options for groups wanting private, tailor-made events.
Overall, the 5.0 rating across multiple platform reviews reflects a strong consensus that Kasama Tastings excels at combining culinary sophistication with a friendly, engaging environment perfect for memorable meetups with friends and family.
Kasama Tastings represents an exceptional venue for groups seeking a unique, immersive dining experience rich in Filipino flavors, expert pairings, and warm hospitality—a place where every meal is an occasion to rally around and celebrate together.