Ode to: Kokoro
Honestly, I don’t even know how to start this post in order to do Kokoro justice. I’ve been going to Kokoro, on South Colorado and Dickenson, since high school, when it was a quick and easy off-campus lunch option. It was my go-to hangover cure in my early 20s. My kids like it now. I’m a 15 year member of their Arigato! club. It’s quick and it’s delicious, just like advertised. I love Kokoro, friends.
So how do I possibly convey its greatness to you, my dear readers? How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? How do you make it stay, and listen to all you sa… oh wait. This is not a blog post about that impetuous yet lovable nun-turned-governess-turned-wife-turned-stalwart-Nazi-defier. But, to take Maria’s advice, I will start at the very beginning, I hear it’s a very good place to start.
So first - the counter. Friends, there is nothing else like it along CB, nay, in town! The counter twists and turns throughout the place so there is a ton of counter seating, which is the best place to eat, anywhere. There are fixed swivel seats along along the counter (big hits with kids and uh, 40 year olds). It’s fun. It’s cool! It’s hip! (too far?)
Second - the service is quick. It may even be quicker to sit at the counter than it is to go through the drive-through (see below). You get your menu, you order (if you are extra cool you don’t even need to look at your menu to order), you get your food, you put copious amounts of pickled ginger on said food, you eat, and voila!
Third - there is a drive through! It’s delightfully old school and, take it from someone who knows, when you are battling a hangover and can’t fathom getting out of your car, it’s a life saver.
Fourth - and you can leave if you disagree - the food is great. It’s mostly rice and protein and veg bowls, some smattering of sushi, soups, and the like. They have been using Redbird chicken for as long as I can remember, which certainly beats out the quality at other fast casual options. My go-to for many many moons has been a cup of miso soup and a beef bowl with - wait for it -extra beef juice. Yes, you can literally order extra beef juice. I think it’s even on the menu. Then I liberally adorn the bowl with the pickled ginger (see below) and *mwa* [chef’s kiss]! And, if I’m eating on premises (at the counter, natch) I will get a pot of green tea. NO, it does not get better! Jeez I’m hungry now.
Fifth - the pickled ginger. Why it is bright red, I know not, but I do know it makes my beef-bowl-with-extra-beef-juice perfection.
Sixth - The many sides. You can get an extra of just about anything (see side of extra beef juice, above) and what is more, it’s all listed on the menu. I believe there is even a section called “additional sauces and juices.” You want some extra tempura shrimp? There is a menu item for that! You want only one tempura shrimp and some tempura veg? Easy! it’s all there in black and white.
Seventh - There is a sign in the back parking lot that reserves a few spots for “15 minute parking for drive thru only.” Please consider this for a moment. Hmmm. I enjoy this very much and it brightens my day every time I see it. Naturally there are never any cars parked there.
Ah Kokoro, may you never leave us. I encourage my many many readers to go there immediately and ensure it will stay with us for many years to come.
CB 4eva!