Sunda

Friday, March 5, 2010

If you want a taste of enlightenment, forget a trip to the Far East. You can worship at the shrine of Sunda and savor the glorious creations of their “Food Buddha.” He might not be a spiritual leader, but Chef Rodelio Aglibot transcends traditional cuisine. The menu touts “New Asian” fare, a broad culinary term that translates into specifically delicious dishes. One of the best – and most addictive – is the Classic Crispy Rice, an appetizer that warrants its very own journey to Sunda. Picture nigiri sushi, but with pan fried rice glazed in soy sauce and topped with three different delectable toppings: hand cut spicy tuna and jalapeno, seared American Kobe beef tartare and shrimp tempura with avocado and wasabi. While the dish is meant for sharing, I could have devoured it entirely.

In fact, the majority of the menu could be considered dining nirvana. The Truffled Tataki Sashimi was mouthwatering and I recommend indulging with the “all the above” option which includes tuna, salmon and American Kobe topped with Enoki mushroom, chive and a drizzle of soy truffle vinaigrette. On the sushi side, put your chopsticks to work on the specialty rolls, especially the fruit-enhanced Golden Child filled with escolar, mango, avocado, tempura crumbs and topped with a mango crème. For a more savory roll, order the Caterpillar wrapped around unagi and avocado topped with unagi sauce, tempura crispies and “burnt sugar.” If you want to experiment with an entrée, I highly recommend the light and flavorful Malay Style Chilean Sea Bass.

On top of the supremely exotic cuisine, Sunda delivers impeccable service and ambiance. The wait staff has obviously studied under the tutelage of their Food Buddha and provided excellent recommendations. As for the interior, picture a trendy NY transplant in the heart of River North complete with prime people watching and luxe décor.

Book your trip to Sunda soon and taste the new crown jewel of the downtown dining scene…it’s good karma.

Labels: new asian cuisine, pressed sushi

Got Date? Go Here!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Sooo many restaurants to try and sooo little time to try them. In-fact, most of us get so caught up going to the same restaurants week after week that we forget about the fine dining options that the city has to offer. One particular example is Aria, located in the Fairmont Hotel. The New World Asian restaurant offers a contemporary twist on conventional dining. Chef de cuisine Ronnie Aleman prepared a meal that was memorable and that deserves to be revisited.

Aria’s culinary team brings a diverse ethnic influence to the menu. From the start of their “amuse” to their “dessert flight” the cuisine boasted flavors and spices that prompted an eagerness to take the next bite and to try another course. The following menu items is a guide to Aria’s New World Asian experience.

Amuse:

“aria spiced” grilled shrimp, sweet summer watermelon, cilantro basil cucumber broth

Appetizer Flight:

Hot and sour baked rock shrimp, sweet and sour chili glaze

Spicy citrus calamari, lime zest, scallion

Shrimp and pork potstickers, ponzu

Aria “sushi poppers” (created by Ronnie Aleman)

Salad:

Organic Heirloom Tomatoes, sherry marinated shallots, English cucumbers, brioche croutons, extra virgin olive oil, organic green and opal basil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper

Fish:

Soy and mirin glazed Black Cod, organic pea puree, sugar snap peas, hon shemedji mushrooms, organic pea tendrils

Meat:

Wagyu strip steak, butter glazed organic carrots, summer baby squash, wild mushroom demi glace

Dessert Flight:

“Banana Split” sorbet: banana, strawberry, chocolate, pineapple sorbets

Take Five:chocolate cheesecake, savory pretzel crust, peanut butter ganache, caramel sauce

Banana Bread Flan: spicy oaxacan sorbet, candied walnuts, banana bread tuille

Ambiance and service at Aria is what to be expected from a fine dining environment. The service is attentive, detailed and knowledgeable. The rich colors of the restaurant makes it a comfortable and warm place to dine with friends or a significant other. The Aria Bar is an upbeat diversion from the main dining area and is highlighted by an illuminated sushi bar. Communal style tables make it easy to share dishes or meet new friends. It’s a perfect place to meet for sake or a glass of wine from their extensive wine list. In 2008 Aria’s Bar received an award for “Chicago’s Best Date Spot”.

Aria is on the ground level of the Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Dr. For more information visit www.ariachicago.com. To get an inside look and a review of the newest and best restaurants in Chicago check out Fete Select TV.

Labels: aria bar, aria restaurant, chicago restaurants, chigago dining, dating, dc crenshaw, downtown chicago, fairmont hotel, fete select tv, fine dining, new asian cuisine, ronnie aleman, sushi