Monday, July 30, 2012

Sushi in West Town

Chef's choice sashimi at Arami
Despite a conspicuous location on a dingier stretch of Chicago Avenue, Arami's interior is bright and welcoming. We went on a busy Saturday evening in early June with a group of six that arrived piecemeal. Nevertheless, the staff was friendly and accommodating.

Bon Appetite magazine ranked Arami one of the top 10 sushi spots in the country. A very high honor that comes with equally high expectations.

On the whole, Arami didn't disappoint. After sampling some cocktails, the uni shooters were a fabulous way to start the meal. The Chef's Choice sashimi platter (top photo above) at another table caught our eye while we were still ordering drinks. Our table saved room for two and it didn't disappoint. All of the fish at Arami was very fresh and many of the rolls had a very unique flavor.

More sashimi at Arami
Unfortunately, all of this flavor and freshness comes at a prices. (Or maybe it was our ordering exuberance...) Our final tab came to more than $100 per person including drinks. And as Z said, "I'm still hungry!" With Z claiming starvation, we walked down the street and around the corner to Black Dog Gelato for a sweet end to the day. 

Monday, July 16, 2012

GT Fish & Oyster Bar in River North

My foodie friends--and all-around great friends and people!--Andrea and Javier were back in Chicago last week for their next Next dining experience. (They successfully stalked the Next website and got tickets to all four dining experiences, on dates that fit with their schedule. Impressive!)

When A & J come to town, we always try a fun new, hot spot. Last summer it was Aviary. Earlier this spring we stopped by Au Cheval. This time we checked out GT Fish & Oyster in River North. (GT Fish & Oyster, which has been open more than a year now, does not fit the "new" criteria. But given our wait with a reservation on a Monday night, it seems to fit the "hot spot" criteria.)

We bid our time while we waited for our table with cocktails. I started with a Waitlist, Javier had a Manhattan and Z had a Cleanbreak. On a hot summer evening, I really liked the refreshing flavors in the vodka-based Waitlist and the gin-based Cleanbreak.

With four adventurous eaters, we were able to sample most of the small plates on the menu that caught our eyes. We started with a delicious chilled corn soup with crab (a special, not on the regular menu), Foie Gras & Shrimp Terrine and Tuna Poke. The Oyster Shooters also made our list of cold plates, but I wouldn't order them again; the flavors in the shooter didn't come together very well.

Tuna Poke & Chilled Corn Soup

I wasn't disappointed with any of the hot plates we ordered. The Steamed Alaskan Halibut was perfectly cooked and perfectly paired with basil and pea broth, roasted fennel and squid ink couscous. The Shrimp Ravioli melted in my mouth just before another delicious pasta dish, the GT "Mac and Cheese" with lobster and English peas. The Lobster Roll with pickled vegetables and fried onions was a delicious twist on the New England classic.

Shrimp Ravioli
With 30 dishes on the standard menu and plenty of specials, GT Fish & Oyster offers many reasons for a repeat visit. Its affordable prices make sure your wallet doesn't suffer too much. You can make reservations at OpenTable.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Frog n Snail in Lakeview

When Sura Thai Bistro closed in mid-2011, I felt a void in my Lakeview dining options. Z and I ordered from Sura Thai often and thought it was one of the better Thai spots in the Lakeview area, despite its healthy dose of sushi on the menu. So when I heard that Dale Levitski was taking over the Sura Thai space to open a new hot spot, I had high expectations.

My friend Jenny and I stopped by Frog n Snail for a Tuesday night dinner in late May. We arrived a few minutes before 8 p.m. and waited about five minutes for a table. (Frog n Snail does not take reservations at this time.)

Our waiter was patient as we caught up, took our time with the menu and asked questions about various dishes. Frog 'n Snail has a full bar and select beers and wines. For a beverage, we both decided on a the Great Lakes "Burning River" Pale Ale draft, which was nice and light for a warmer evening but lacked flavor.

For dinner, we shared a few smaller plates. I loved the flavor in the Truffle Chiffon, but Jenny and I both agreed it could use some toasted bread. The Sweet Pea Risotto was predictable and bland. The Slow Roasted Torn Salmon with creme fraiche, egg, fingerling potato, beets and fennel was a surprisingly delicious blend of flavors. We gambled on the Mushroom and Peach Buckwheat Herbed Crepes and won! They were delicious. Given my new-found crepe-making expertise, I'd like to try them at home.


We waited more than 30 minutes between our first and second courses. Not unusual for a new restaurant, but another reason that I'll give Frog 'n Snail a couple of months before I try it again. While Frog 'n Snail may occupy Sura Thai's space, my taste buds are holding out for more. After a few months of working out service kinks and making updates to the menu, I have high hopes Frog 'n Snail won't disappoint my taste buds.