By Lisa Kava and Natalie Demaree
CHIKARA, an upscale Japanese restaurant, is opening on August 6th at 150 West 70th Street (between Broadway and Columbus), co-owner Yumi Matsumura told West Side Rag on a visit. Matsumura was formerly a VP of Sushi of Gari, the popular sushi restaurant chain with a location at 370 Columbus Avenue (between West 77th and West 78th streets). Her co-owner, Chef Chikara (whom the restaurant is named after), previously worked as a chef at all of the Sushi of Gari locations, Matsumura told the Rag.
”When we decided to open our own restaurant, we wanted to create a place that would never lose sight of what matters most—our guests,” she said. “My dream was to build a restaurant where every decision is made with our customers’ happiness in mind.” Chef Chikara, (whose full name is Atsutaka Chikaraishi), shares her philosophy, Matsumura explained. “We immediately connected through our common vision of genuine hospitality and exceptional food.” CHIKARA will be open from 5 to 9:45 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, although they may extend their hours in the future. “We’re honored to bring CHIKARA to the Upper West Side,” Matsumura said. “Our goal is to create a warm intimate dining experience where guests can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and heartfelt hospitality.” (Thanks to Charlotte and Claire for the tip.)
Joe Kidd Cantina, a bar and restaurant, has signage up at 250 West 72nd Street (between Broadway and West End Avenue). It is set to open in October, a construction worker outside the space told West Side Rag on a visit. Emerald Inn, the longtime Irish-style pub, was previously in the space before closing in December. We will update when we have more information about Joe Kidd Cantina and an expected opening date. (Thanks to Rebecca for the tip.)
Miccass Physical Therapy, a physical therapy clinic, is opening a second Upper West Side location at 2652 Broadway (between West 100th and West 101th streets) at the end of September, owner Jenny Chamoun wrote to West Side Rag in an email. This will be the second location for the Upper West Side PT clinic; the other is at 246 Columbus Avenue (between West 71st and West 72nd streets). Micass Physical Therapy offers personalized “manual therapy, sports medicine and personal training” services, according to the website. Gothic Cabinet Craft was previously in the space before moving in March. (Thanks to Michael for the tip.)
4077 Laundromat, a laundromat and dry cleaning service, is “coming soon” to 965 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 107th and West 108th streets), according to signage on the window and to Traded NY, which reported that the space was rented in May. 4077 Laundromat is based in the Bronx; this will be a second location, a representative at the Bronx location told West Side Rag on a phone call. 965 Laundromat, another laundromat, was previously in the space.
The Openings & Closings column wouldn’t be possible without our many tipsters: thank you! Anyone can send tips about openings and closings in the neighborhood to info@westsiderag.com.
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