![New Japanese-Korean Restaurant Now Open in GR’s East Hills Neighborhood](https://townsquare.media/site/43/files/2020/09/IMG_2942-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Japanese-Korean Restaurant Now Open in GR’s East Hills Neighborhood
The former Gaia Café in Grand Rapids East Hills neighborhood has new life as a Japanese and Korean fusion restaurant.
The Grand Rapids Business Journal reports that KCM opened earlier this month at 209 Diamond Ave. SE.
View this post on InstagramWe are open!!! #japanesefood #sando #rice #tonkatsu #kimbap #toast #tea #coffee
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KCM owner Jason Kim is from Korea and has worked at Mikado Sushi and Kobe Japanese Steakhouse in Grand Rapids; his wife is from Japan. Kim tells GRBJ that the lack of diversity in local Asian food options inspired him to open KCM:
I think Grand Rapids people need to try out more authentic food. I wanted to sell food like what we cook at home.
Kim says many of the recipes they use at KCM are family recipes. Menu items include sando, which are Japanese sandwiches served on Van's Pastry bread or open-faced toast with meat or another filling.
KCM also serves curry and rice bowls, tonkatsu (deep fried pork tenderloin, pork shoulder, or chicken), and kimpap (Korean hand rolls wrapped with dried seaweed).
View this post on InstagramA post shared by KCM GR (@kcmgrandrapids) on
KCM is preparing to do a full launch of the eatery soon, expanding the hours to seven days a week and hiring more staff. As of now, KCM is taking in-person dine in and carry-out orders, but are planning to add phone and online ordering.
Currently, KCM is open 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday.
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