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.