Long-anticipated Asian eatery Haii Keii opened in the River Oaks/Upper Kirby area in mid-February. (Courtesy Karter Kendrick)
Long-anticipated Asian eatery Haii Keii opened in the River Oaks/Upper Kirby area in mid-February. (Courtesy Karter Kendrick)
Globally-inspired Asian restaurant Haii Keii is now open in the River Oaks area, offering a curated menu and drawing design influence from 'Kill Bill' and 'Blade Runner,' according to a Feb. 12 news release.
The features
The long-anticipated eatery blends Japanese-inspired cuisine and promises Houston diners a "culinary journey through Asia," per the release.
The focal point of Haii Keii's interior is an inverted 8-foot-tall Bonsai tree with LED-embedded leaf clusters, reflected in a red-tinted circular mirror above the bar. (Courtesy Karter Kendrick)
The restaurant stands at 3,000-square-feet with an additional 1,000-square-foot patio. Also per the release, design elements include an inverted Bonsai tree and cascading crimson rope to create intimate dining alcoves. The restaurant is wrapped in Shoji screens that display shadow projections.
Haii Keii's design was inspired by the "neon-drenched futurism" of Ridley Scott's 1982 science fiction film 'Blade Runner' and the cinematic intensity of 'Kill Bill,' per the release. (Courtesy Karter Kendrick)
In their own words
Managing partner Jarred Tosto said in a statement the Haii Keii team's goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience for every guest.
“We wanted to create a space where people can explore the bold, diverse flavors of Asia while being immersed in an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and refined,” Tosto said in the release.
The Banh Mi Roll transforms the Vietnamese classic into sushi form, featuring shrimp, pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeño, and nuoc mam. (Courtesy Karter Kendrick)
On the menu
Executive chef Jeffrey Taylor and sushi chef Jose Espinoza collaborated to create a menu which celebrates the diverse cuisines of Asia, per the release. Haii Keii will focus on small, shareable plates.
Cold plates will include East Coast oysters topped with cucumber franita and chili oil, as well as flounder ceviche.
The Murakami Roll features king crab, Japanese A5 Wagyu and Kaluga caviar. (Courtesy Karter Kendrick)
The eatery will also have items such as lobster dumplings; warm milk bread; American, Australian and Japanese Wagyu steaks; crab and garlic fried rice; as well as nigiri, sashimi and maki rolls as highlights of its seafood offerings.
It's 5 o'clock somewhere
Haii Keii’s cocktail program embodies the bold and imaginative extensive of its culinary philosophy, according to the release.
The Spring in Nagano cocktail is Haii Keii's spin on a lychee martini with cherry blossoms, per the release. (Courtesy Karter Kendrick)
Crafted libations range from the vodka-forward Spring in Nagano—a lychee martini with cherry blossoms, to an ube espresso martini. The concept will also feature a full bar with sake, Japanese Whiskey, wine and beer, per the release.
Also per the release, Haii Keii will feature a happy hour with half-off dishes in the bar and patio between 5-7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Asia joined Community Impact in February 2022. As a features reporter, she covers the South Houston area, including the Heights-River Oaks-Montrose, Bellaire-Meyerland-West University, Katy-Fulshear, Sugar Land-Missouri City, the Bay Area, and Pearland-Friendswood editions. She studied journalism and creative writing at Missouri State University. Before relocating to Texas, Asia was a reporter for the Seattle Medium, one of the city's eldest African American publications. When she's not writing, she's likely trying a new restaurant, practicing self-care or traveling.
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