Kenichi Asian Bistro
Friday, July 27, 2012 at 8:00AM 
270 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA 01604
Popular blogger, Bruce Tretter, sent a note, “Gotta’ say I feel horrible I’ve had to be so quick with the two events we’ve had together. I had to keep moving for a reason I can’t even remember now when I dropped off a pancake with you.” There was only one way to help Bruce with his horrible feelings, and that’s to go to dinner. He continued, “There’s a new place where Zapango used to be on Shrewsbury St., just let me know what works for you.”
For those unaware, Bruce is a writer, photographer, dad of 3, school board member, and former Naval Intelligence Officer. He’s most often seen around town on his bike. Almost astonishingly, we were both available that very evening and so off to Kenichi Asian Bistro we went immediately after work.
Arriving at the restaurant we immediately parked in the adjacent Boulevard Towing &
Auto Body. Reaching for my BlackBerry to start taking some pictures, Bruce pulled out his camera. “I want to see how you do this.” (Little did I know he was going to write about it.)
Entering the restaurant you see some small two person booths and a large bar area. The sushi master is in the rear of the restaurant.
Opting for a high top table, an engaging waitress came over serve us. It turned out this was “Sam’s” last night (she is a student and Kenichi needs a full time person), and so she shared how much she liked working there. Asking her which sushi she liked (as a recommendation) got us a surprising response, “I haven’t had a lot of it.” It was clear Sam had not availed herself of working in a sushi restaurant to try things. This would have to change.
We ordered an appetizer and then the quest for beverage began. Sam’s suggestion of a mai tai sounded good to me on a hot night, Bruce was looking for something more exotic, specifically cold unfiltered sake. They had some for $29 for a smaller bottle…and Bruce wisely shifted to another option.
Our initial sampler round completed, we went for the more exotic caterpillar and described the
Worcester
Restaurant Group’s Firecracker. While they didn’t sell a Firecracker, they came close with their own creation Bruce, (Sam) and I enjoyed.
The truth is, Bruce and I simply had a nice time. Bruce found his drink 
presentation nice (see photo), and so proceeded to negotiate for a set. While not successful in his bidding, we had fun. The owners are from China, and have clearly made Kenichi a comfortable place with a neighborhood feel in their 15 months there. And the food was perfectly prepared.
All in all, a great adventure.
Hours
Monday - Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday: 11:00 AM to 1:30 AM
Sunday 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Kenichi Asian Bistro gets a
Green Light – Go and enjoy
About the RAG scale:
Green Light – Go and enjoy
Amber Light – Use caution
Red Light – Save your time and money
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