I recommend sitting on the second floor where you literally feel like you're in the Chef's home and he's cooking a meal just for you.  The decor is modern yet electric and the cozy padded seating in the corners make the perfect night for romance, which by the way was at every corner (including mine).  The jazz is soft and sexy and the wait staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the menu.  The occasion feels special and the menu is methodic with a recommended pattern of ordering and devouring.  Cold Plates, Hot Plates, and Main Plates.  Yes, Yes, Yes.

Almost impossible to articulate is the palette of flavors that are present in every dish.  The Spring Rolls were crisp with a slightly tangy vinaigrette, and the Sashimi plate boasted scallops and Big Eye Tuna which were each marinated in their own delicious sauce.  Next came the Beef Short Ribs sitting on a beautifully textured combination of brown rice, Chinese sausage and Shitake mushrooms, and though we should have stopped at one hot plate, we could not refuse the Caramel Pork Belly eaten as an open faced sandwich with buns that literally felt like clouds. But...here is where I would pull the Meg Ryan scene from "When Harry Met Sally"...you know the scene I'm talking about.  Three words... Soft Shell Crab.  I could have eaten it all night...every night and never been more satisfied.  Understand? it was that good.  

And yet...the Chicken in Clay Pot was mouthwatering, as I discovered a new favorite mushroom...the Shimeji, my new little friend.  I seem to have distant memories of desert, but the Yuzu Pudding Cake was light and tropical...with that lingering feeling of coconut on your lips.

As the sun set beautifully across the flickering candles I was reflecting on the joy of food...the blessing of great company...and...another glass of sake.

In this photo:  Chef Takashi, Gia Clair

Takashi is located at 1952 N Damen 773.772.6170