Openings

Takoyaki Twofer: Ichibantei Opens, Kenka Returns

Photo: Daniel Maurer

East Village “Japanese Soul Food & Steak” spot Ichibantei has been open for a few weeks now; we dropped in for the first time last night. When this tiny spot was under construction, we wondered how it would do against that even tinier octopus fritter joint, Otafuku. Sadly they were out of takoyaki when we stopped by, but for what it’s worth, new Voice critic Lauren Shockey likes Otafuku’s balls better.

Okay, but what about the takoyaki over at Kenka? We’re told the St. Marks izakaya will reopen tonight after its brush with the Health Department, so now might be the time for a triple taste test. By the way, Ichibantei’s menu goes beyond just so-called “pancake balls inside octopus” — check it out below.

Ichibantei Menu [MenuPages]

Ichibantei, 401 E. 31st St., nr. First Ave.; 1-877-731-4339

Takoyaki Twofer: Ichibantei Opens, Kenka Returns