First Bite – Macku Sushi by Rachel Gillman

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

I take my raw fish seriously. Mercury poisoning be damned, I eat sushi at least three or four times a week…the more often, the better. My affinity for Japanese food borders on obsession, which is why I was deeply disappointed to see Kaze close. One of the best sushi spots in Chicago, this Roscoe Village restaurant developed a reputation for culinary creativity, especially with their signature sashimi and nigiri. Fruit, spices and unexpected combinations made Kaze’s maki both distinctive and delicious.

Macku, the new incarnation of Kaze in Lincoln Park, reunites the original chefs and retains the same spirit. A small, intimate space with brick walls, dark wooden floors and moss green accents, it’s a Zen backdrop for intense eating. The white tablecloths signal serious dining and the chefs deliver. Tempura gets a gourmet makeover with basil-wrapped whitefish and black tiger shrimp, lightly battered and paired with Japanese mountain vegetables over a parlsey beurre – an electric green soup with sweet undertones. The spicy tuna wrapped in avocado was another successful twist on a traditional dish, served with flavorful spring rolls that deserve their own permanent spot on the menu.

While the makimono list features all the usual suspects – rainbow, dragon, spicy tuna and spider – they’re expertly prepared with premium fish. The spicy tuna, mango, shrimp and eel roll was one of the best, along with hamachi ebi tempura filled with yellowtail, crispy shrimp, cilantro, avocado and jalapeno for added kick. To really experience the talented chefs of Macku, focus on the signature sashimi and nigiri. Fresh basil, sweet arugula puree and fried shallots are just a few of the unusual ingredients that make Macku’s sushi shine.

The Madai with sea bream and toasted pine nuts is drizzled in a balsamic reduction and plated with a large leaf for added effect. I liked the Mebachi even better, a savory combination of big eye tuna, pickled onions, burdock root, chives, truffle oil and soy. This is sashimi on steroids with big, bold flavors and it looks almost as good as it tastes. One more recommendation is the Shiro Maguro nigiri, a thick piece of white tuna layered across rice and topped with a creamy banana wasabi puree. The nigiri selections are pricey by the piece, but it’s worth sampling at least one of the experimental combos.

Compared to the quality, Macku’s prices are fairly reasonable, although the sake list creeps upwards towards $60 for a small bottle. The most expensive roll is only $14 and the cooked entrees – including duck, venison and cod – are all $16 and under. While the Kani nigiri with crab and sea urchin is a splurge at $7 for a single piece, it’s still an affordable indulgence.

Kaze might be a fond dining memory, but Macku will create new ones. It’s a welcome addition to Chicago’s sushi scene and one of the best new spots in Lincoln Park.

www.mackusushi.com

Labels: 900 shop restaurants, chicago dining, fete select, lincoln park, Macku, Rachel Gillman, sushi

DC's Jamaican Sunday Brunch at Ja'Grill

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Yeah Mon! We're brunchin' this Sunday 11 am - 3 pm in Lincoln Park. Join DC at Ja' Grill for the only Jamaican brunch in the city. Ja' Grill was featured on Fete Select TV as one of the best new restaurants in 2008. The menu is fabulous plus Ja' Grill is serving complimentary Blue Mountain Coffee during brunch hours.

This is a special treat for coffee lovers, because Jamaica Blue Mountain is the rarest and most sought after coffee in the world!

Located at the eastern ends of the island of Jamaica runs a majestic range of hills known as the Blue Mountains. At elevations of up to 5,000 feet the terrain, soil, rainfall, and the thick Blue Mountain mist combine to create the perfect conditions for the cultivation of the World's famous, most distinguished and most delicious Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.

Ja' Brunch menu is $18 and includes any 4 different menu items in any category, a Ja' Bloody Mary or Ja' Mimosa, and unlimited Blue Mountain Coffee.

Ja' Brunch
Sunday 11am-3pm

Featuring
Jerk Chicken and Waffles with Butter Rum Syrup

Breakfast Options
Akee and Cod Fish
Scrambled Eggs with Mixed Peppers
Waffles with Butter Rum Syrup
Fruit Selection
Festival
Bacon

Platters
Jerk Chicken
Jerk Pork
Curry Chicken
Curry Goat
Stew Chicken

Veggies
Ital Stew
Callaloo
Cabbage & Carrots
Rice and Peas

Spirits
Ja' Bloody Mary
Ja' Mimosa

Call (773) 929-JERK (5375) for reservations
www.jagrill.com

Labels: blue mountain coffee, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, ja grill, jamaican cuisine, jerk chicken, lincoln park, sunday brunch, waffles

Katz and Boehm Makes Perennial Sizzle In Lincoln Park

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

They say that three is a charm, but that’s not necessarily true for Chicago restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm. That’s because the dynamic duo have already been successful opening two of the best and hottest restaurants in Lincoln Park, BOKA and Landmark Bar & Grill. Both restaurants have received critical acclaim from local and national publications and continue to be considered two of the more popular spots for great cuisine, cocktails and atmosphere. However, Katz and Boehm just weren’t satisfied with their two gems and decided to open a third restaurant about a year a go. Perennial, has lived up to its name and Executive Chef Ryan Poli was added to bring a new casual dining experience to Chicago.


Perennial’s menu boasts a plethora of approachable dishes such as the Soft Shell Crab” and the “Brown Butter Gnocchi” appetizers. Both starters are prepared with flavors that are succulent and a presentation that differs from similar type dishes. The entrees are a perfect mix of seafood, meat and pasta selections, which makes it a difficult task to choose. However the “Grilled Salmon”, “Alaskan Halibut”, “Compart Duroc Porkbelly” and “Sea Scallops” are all popular dishes that won’t disappoint. The “Perennial Mac and Cheese” side dish holds it own when compared to other mac and cheese dishes in the city. An attractive array of desserts and cheeses complements the menu, but the standout is the warm chocolate brownie served with coffee ice cream.

Their specialty cocktail menu is also seasonal and the wine list is manageable. The service was attentive, but not overbearing and the waiter was knowledgeable about the cuisine, cocktails and wine. The vibe and crowd is casual elegance and atmosphere is loud enough to enjoy a dinner conversation. As the summer weather heats up Chicago expect Perennial to be even hotter during the months to come.

Perennial is located at 1800 N. Lincoln Ave in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. For more information log onto www.perennialchicago.com. Check out more reviews and to get an inside look at the newest hottest restaurants on Fete Select TV.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fine dining, kevin boehm, lincoln park, new restaurants, perennial chicago, rob katz, ryan poli

Sushi Mon Wizard Is "Pressed" in Chicago

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Head to any neighborhood in Chicagoland and you’re bound to run into at least one or two sushi spots. Eating sushi has become as common as grabbing a turkey burger or cobb salad. It’s tasty, healthy and in most cases affordable. However, not all sushi is made the same. In-fact, Sushi Mon’s “pressed sushi” is the only sushi of its kind in Chicago. Created by Bat, a certified sushi wizard, Sushi Mon has become a popular new hot spot known for great sushi, crazy combinations and an intimate atmosphere.

Bat honed his sushi skills in LA and brought his creativity to Chicago three years ago. His pressed sushi consists of compressed rice and ingredients topped off with avocado, slices of succulent fish and tasty sauces. To experience the true flavors of the pressed sushi, Bat suggests that you try his creations without soy sauce. Pressed sushi favorites include “Salmon Bliss” made with salmon, seaweed, masago, avocado, and sesame seeds, the “Chicago” consisting of crab, unagi, avocado, masago and spicy mayo, and the “Crazy” created with salmon, tuna, ebi, wasabi mayo, wasabi tobiko, avocado and seaweed. The menu also allows sushi lovers to create their own pressed sushi. Sushi Mon still has the usual Sushi Nigiri and Sashimi selections along with a number of appetizers and salads. Expect to discover fresh sushi at an affordable price. Average cost for pressed sushi rolls are $12, but other rolls range between $3.50 – $6.95 per roll. If you’re in the mood for cocktails, be sure to bring your favorite bottle of sake or wine, because Sushi Mon is BYOB.

Sushi Mon is located near Lincoln Park at 2441 N. Clark Street. Guests can dine-in, carry-out or have their favorite sushi delivered. For more information log onto www.sushimonchicago.com. Check out Fete Select TV on www.efete.net for an inside look into the newest and best Chicago restaurants.

Labels: bat, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, lincoln park, pressed sushi, sushi mon

Ben Fatto! Trattoria Gianni

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Lately it seems like I've been on an Italian culinary tour around Chicago. From a fabulous dinner at Prosecco to an intimate meal in the 200 East Supper Club, I've tasted a few different pasta dishes and consumed more than a couple of glasses of wine. Last week I ventured into the Lincoln Park neighborhood to take on yet another Italian establishment. Let's just say that my dining experience at Trattoria Gianni was not only enjoyable, but was a perfect night cap to my birthday celebration.

Intimate, homey, authentic and friendly is Trattoria Gianni. Their ambiance was the most comparable to the dinner settings that I experienced while honeymooning in Rome. The cuisine was not too far behind either. Starting with the "Antipasti" dishes, the fried calamari and grilled octopus stood out. Moving to the "Primi Piatti" side of the menu, the "Gnocchi della Nonna", hand-made and stuffed with ricotta, and the "Conchiglie del Mercante", pasta crumbled with Italian sausage, mushrooms and fresh tomato sauce, were savory and plentiful. The veal scaloppine, grilled duck breast, grilled chicken breast, and grilled Norwegian salmon filet were also favorites. However, the "Costolette d' Agnello alla Griglia", their grilled lamb chops marinated with olive oil, garlic and fresh mint, was a noted specialty dish and the highlight of the evening. The most enjoyable side dish were the roasted potatoes in olive oil garlic rosemary.

Trattoria Gianni has homemade desserts worth the indulgence. The "Panna Cotta" and "Tiramisu" led the way. Their sorbet and cannoli are good alternatives and the not-quite-frozen hazelnut mouse, topped with chocolate sauce received accolades. The service met expectations and the wine recommendations paired nicely with our many courses. A live vocalist added a special ambiance throughout dinner, which set off an energetic vibe amongst diners.

Trattoria Gianni will celebrate their 21st anniversary this year with a $21.00 priced fixed dinner every Tuesday night starting March 24th - June 30th. Trattoria Gianni is located at 1711 N. Halsted St. Log onto www.trattoriagianni.com for more information or call (312) 266-1976 for reservations.

To find more dining options and to get an inside look at the newest and best restaurants in Chicago watch Fete Select TV on www.efete.net.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, dining out, fete select tv, italian food, italy, lincoln park, nbc chicago street team, north halsted, trattoria gianni