Several months after temporarily closing “until further notice,” signs point to a reopening for Chikyu Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya. The plant-based sushi spot recently submitted permitting paperwork that would allow for a service bar at its Serene Avenue location.
Chikyu’s menu has featured starters like Gyoza and Brussels Sprouts flash-fired with denmiso, amazu ponzu, and garlic. Ramen varieties have included Spicy Garlic Miso and White Shoyu. Signature include the Shiitake Mushroom Roll, the Oshinko Roll with picked daikon radish, and the Umeboshi roll with pickled plum, shiso, and cucumber.
Founded in 2020 by Chef John Le, Chikyu is a sister to San Francisco-based vegan sushi restaurant Shizen. Around the time Chikyu closed its doors, the restaurant announced the tragic and unexpected passing of Chef John Le and held a commemoration for the beloved chef at the restaurant.
“I just want everyone to know, even if you only met him briefly, he was truly an amazing human,” reads the post’s top comment. “He cared so much about his employees and customers. The best person I have ever worked for in my entire life. He will truly be missed and I am thankful I got to know him even a little bit. RIP Chef.”
No doubt, those in Las Vegas’s vegan community and beyond will continue to miss Chef Le and his work. Now that there are signs of a reopening in the works, Chikyu fans may soon be able to remember the chef in the space where they first got to know him.
What Now reached out to owner Lan Lieu to inquire about Chikyu’s reopening plans on Tuesday. Lieu was not available for comment.
You can follow @chikyuvegan on Instagram.
