Do You Macku? LP sushi beyond just sushi

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sushi is deliciousness in my opinion. Clean eating, non-gluttonous, and perfect with a great non-filtered sake before going out. There are many sushi options in our fine town but few that take sushi to the next level. Macku artfully manages to balance savory and sweet flavors with intention in each bite that chef Macku Chan creates while teasing the eye and the taste buds with a beautiful presentation on each plate. Starting with a slightly soggy and unsalted Edamame, I was admittedly apprehensive about what lies ahead. My next course however was a beautifully poured aromatic white asparagus soup that definitely left me wanting for more. The hamachi was not just tossed on a plate, it was nicely placed on a flower of red beets and pureed microgreens-clean, flavorful, and delicious. The tuna tartare was to die for served up on the spicier side with avocado and I hope it becomes a permanent fixture on the menu, get it now while on special!

The mackarel had been depleted for the evening, bummer because I was there for a 7:00 seating, and the substitute recommendation of fly fish tasted gamey-not bad-just not what I expected to taste. The Maki rolls were straightforward, the rainbow roll looked lovely but I was too full to eat a bite. I was hoping for desert but was too full, just kidding, just went for the Mochi but noticed that some of the desserts made their way over from Kaze-the previous sushi stop of Chef Chan.

Service was exceptional, and no one said a word, shut off the music, or turned off the lights while I gabbed away with my friend -the last two people in the joint-until 10:45!

Walk ins beware-even on a Tuesday night at 7:00 I need a reservation, or expect to be waiting awhile!

Macku, 2239 N. Clybourn-773-880-8012-Open Daily 5pm-Close

Labels: Macku, sushi

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

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

"Wish" Upon A Sushi Star

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The song “When You Wish Upon A Star” was made famous in the Walt Disney movie Pinocchio and includes the lyrics “Anything that your heart desires will come to you”. The song has some other inspirational lyrics such as, “If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme. When you wish upon a star as dreamers do”. Well the folks at Nozumi Japanese Cuisine must have sang that song a few times, because their “wish” has come true. Nozumi is the newest Japanese restaurant to open in the North Western suburbs, but the 45 minute drive out to South Barrington is well worth the trip.

The literal translation of Nozumi is “wish”. Their wish is to take you on a journey of the five senses while exploring their Japanese cuisine. Nozumi’s culinary team consists of world travelers that give their own interpretation of the menu items, therefore they soar above the traditional approach to sushi. Nozumi is all about sharing and Executive Chef Andy Park created the menu with that in mind. Even the Nozumi Menu Box – a collection of five books, or menus, are meant to be shared. This new approach is distinctly separated into a beverage menu, plates menu, sushi menu, sweets and treats menu, and a chefs daily special menu. I had numerous favorites out the fourteen dishes that were shared, but the following were at the top of the list.

Scallop Ebisu – seared scallops, saffron cream couscous, asparagus, tomato confit, soy balsamic reduction.

Shinju Crab Cake – Shiso remoulade, scallop puree, sawgani, haricort vert, shitake vinaigrette.

Chef’s Special Signature Roll – Roasted pepper seasoned spicy tuna, cucumber wrapped in nori topped with Japanese sea bream in ponzu sauce.

Nozumi doesn’t only serve sushi, but meat and pasta dishes. Don’t leave the table without trying their tender Taiyou Short Ribs. The Kobe Steak melts in your mouth and the Togarashi Mauro Penne Pasta has a sun-dried tomato cream sauce and big eye tuna combination that will have you biting your fork. Dessert is a must with the Shokura Dream chocolate layered cake and the Natsuki Apple Brulee.

Nozumi is simple yet stylish. The sushi bar area is upbeat and vibrant, but a separate dining area appears to be more relaxed and chilled. The bar area is roomy enough to enjoy a cocktail and an entree without being too crowded. Owner Fred Hong was certain to hire a staff that was knowledgeable about their cuisine and serious about their service.

Yes, Nozumi appears to have had their wish fulfilled, but the true test will come from the wish of their customers. Nozumi is located at 100 W. Higgins Road in South Barrington. For more information log onto www.nozumirestaurant.com. Also check out Fete Select TV for an inside look at the newest and hottest restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: andy park, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, fred hong, kobe beef, nozumi japanese cuisine, south barrington illinois, sushi

Barack Wins Sushi Battle

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

RA Sushi , the stylishly edgy sushi restaurant and bar, announced the winning roll from VOTE RA!, the taste test campaign for political pundits and sushi supporters held during the span of the Democratic and
Republican conventions.

With ballots collected from all three RA Sushi Illinois restaurants (Chicago, Glenview and Lombard), the Barack Attack defeated the McCain Terrain with 174 votes to 166 votes as the best tasting maki.

The roll created to embody the character, integrity and honor of Democratic nominee and Illinois Senator Barack Obama will be inaugurated onto the menu for $10, with $3 of every order benefiting Rock the Vote.

In honor of this culinary commemoration, RA Sushi and Rock the Vote will host registration events to encourage diners at each Chicagoland location to register to vote prior to Tuesday, Oct. 7, the last day to register in Illinois to be eligible to vote for the 2008 Presidential election.

BARACK ATTACK -Layered with smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and artichoke rolled in rice and seaweed and topped with crunchy blue tempura bits, finished with a sweet eel sauce and wasabi mayo

EVENTS:

Thursday, Oct. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. -VOTE RA! registration event at RA Lombard

Friday, Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.- VOTE RA! registration event at RA Glenview

Monday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 8p.m. -VOTE RA! registration event at RA Chicago and official check presentation to Rock the Vote

RA Sushi will also offer $6 Appletini and Cosmopolitan cocktails during the Rock The Vote registration events.

RA Sushi Chicago at1139 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

RA Sushi Lombard at310 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148

RA Sushi Glenview at2601 Aviator Ln., Glenview, IL 60026

Labels: barack obama, chicago, chicago restaurants, contests, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, john mccain, ra sushi, sushi

Obama vs. McCain Maki Roll Showdown

Monday, August 25, 2008

The political scene has been at the forefront for Chicagoans the past 18 months. My personal friend and Illinois Senator Barack Obama has taken the world by storm with his charisma and inspiring speeches that has won over hundreds of millions of people. John McCain is experienced, but is trying to change his perception of being old and out of touch with typical Americans. With the help of the media, You Tube and cyberspace nothing has been off limits when comparing and contrasting the Presidential candidates on policy, style, age, family, wealth, and now...um...sushi?

Yes folks, it's true. Now Obama and McCain will go "maki-to-maki" in a taste test at RA Sushi for the best maki roll. You will have a chance to vote for either the Obama roll or the McCain roll as the best political roll conceived by the RA Sushi chef.

The "Blue" Barack Attack Roll is layered with smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and artichoke rolled in rice and seaweed and topped with crunchy blue tempura bits, finished with a sweet eel sauce and wasabi mayo.

The "Red" McCain Terrain Roll consists of spicy tuna, crab mix and cucumber rolled in rice and seaweed and topped with crunchy red tempura bits, finished with a sweet eel sauce and spicy mayo.

In a non biased taste test, I personally liked the McCain roll better, although I think that they could have come up with something better for Barack who represents more flavor than the roll that represents him. Nonetheless it was an interesting and enjoyable taste test.

During both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions starting Monday August 25th thru Sept 5th, you can taste and vote for your favorite Presidential roll on the Campaign Platter at RA Sushi for $10. A portion of the proceeds, $3 from every sale of the Campaign Platter, will benefit Rock The Vote. The winning candidates roll will be inaugurated onto the menu at all three Illinois RA Sushi restaurants starting on Friday, September 12 through Friday, Oct 3. Also diners will be able to register to vote at RA Sushi Chicago on Monday, Oct 6, as part of a Rock The Vote event that will be held there.

Check out RA Sushi at www.RAsushi.com for more information.

Labels: barack obama, chicago, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select, john mccain, maki rolls, ra sushi, restaurants, sushi, taste test