Archive for the 'Chicago - Sushi Restaurants' Category
OYSY
by Diane Bobis
OYSY
888 S. Michigan Ave., 60605, 312-922-1127
Additional locations at:
50 E. Grand Ave, 60611, 312-670-6750
315 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook, 60062, 847-714-1188
If sushi cravings hit at lunchtime, head to this South Loop locale where $12 will buy you a bento box overfilled with spicy tuna maki, California maki, vegetable tempura and your choice of grilled salmon, superwhite tuna, chicken teriyaki or nigiri sushi. Considered the best value in the city, Oysy beautifully balances super fresh sushi and izagaya (traditional Japanese cuisine) offerings with reasonable price points. Here, unhurried diners are encouraged to share and sample many different dishes, and to enjoy each one by one. Be sure to start with the Flaming Dynamite, a spicy breaded seafood appetizer served on a fantastic flaming shell. Then move on to the special maki menu with favorites like the Emerald (sautéed scallop, asparagus and cucumber topped with spicy sauce and green caviar) and the Fire Cracker (a deep fried roll filled with shrimp, eel, avocado, cream cheese and jalapeno peppers). The minimalist chic atmosphere designed by Chicago architect Douglas Garofalo is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a relaxing hot tea or a mood-boosting martini. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great view facing Grant Park.
Tsunami
by Diane Bobis
TSUNAMI
1160 N. Dearborn St., 60610, 312-642-9911
Chicago’s sushi aficionados say this stylish Gold Coast hot spot offers the most authentic sashimi in the city. The menu boasts more than 40 exceptional choices, with everything from O-Toro (premium fatty tuna) to Hiramasa (golden striped amber jack). Order the Sashimi Supreme entrée for a beautiful presentation of six different prime cuts. Indeed, everything is artistically crafted at Tsunami, whether you choose an entrée from the kitchen (think Sesame Essence Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Mashed Potato) or maki mono from the sushi bar. One must-have is the Tuna 4-Way, a spicy Ahi tuna maki layered with three different cuts of tuna (yellow fin, shiro, o-toro) and drizzled with orange-mango sauce. You also have a choice when it comes to ambience. The downstairs sushi bar is bold, bright and sexy, with red walls and black leather booths. Upstairs, the lush, full-service sake lounge is more romantic, illuminated by candlelight and a warming fireplace. Sip on flights of sake or indulge in a chocolate-coconut Tsunami Tower dessert, and you have the makings of a perfect date.