New Kiku sushi in Carpentersville truly a family affair

Cory Li had worked for years in his family's restaurant in Wisconsin, perfecting the art of sushi and hibachi cooking.

When he got married, he decided it was time not only to start his own family, but also his own restaurant.

A few weeks ago Li opened Kiku, a sushi and hibachi restaurant in Carpentersville.

Li of Lake in the Hills runs the new restaurant along the Randall Road corridor with his wife and his brothers.

"I've been doing the restaurant business for 10 years with my family," he said. "I thought to myself, I can do it by myself, and so I wanted to try."

So far the restaurant has attracted many new fans. Many of you who've tried it have called, encouraging me to mention Li's venture in Roamin' Randall. It's a place, Li said, that already has many regulars.

Kiku, 7020 Huntley Road, has two hibachi stoves in the restaurant, which Li and his family use to make their culinary creations.

They also have a sushi area to create their colorful, edible masterpieces.

"We work hard and it comes out great," Li said. "We want people to try our new business."

Your turn, hospital workers

Last week, Liberty Tax Service along Randall Road in Elgin was offering free tax preparation to educators.

This month, from Monday to March 16, the business at 224 S. Randall, is offering the free service to all hospital employees and emergency medical technicians.

"EMTs and medical professionals work selflessly each and every day, saving lives and making friends and family comfortable through times of stress and pain. It is our pleasure to be able to give back just a little to these individuals who perform life-saving miracles every day," said Tamika Morales, owner of the Elgin Liberty Tax Service, in a prepared statement.

For an appointment call Liberty at (847) 289-9100.

For the teachers: On Sunday, March 16, J Jill in Algonquin Commons is offering special discounts to teachers and their friends.

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day, educators will get 15 percent off their purchase at the Randall Road store.