Shikago Restaurant

Dear Friends and Family,

Ah. A review I can sink my teeth into. What'd we have?

1. Tartare of Tuna with Wasabi, Soy and Ginger and Spicy Tuna and Avocado Maki
2. Vietnamese Springroll of Grilled Korean Style Short Ribs with Lettuce, Ginger, Papaya and Sesame and Sriracha
3. nigiri sushi: hamachi, sake and unagi
4. Rice Cracker Crusted Shrimp with Toasted Garlic, Chili and Soy on Kneaded Cabbage Pickle in Red Curry Vinaigrette
5. Grilled Black Cod in Spicy Broth with Crab, Daikon, Tomato, Ginger, Chili, Chinese Broccoli Leaves, Scallion, Garlic, and Basil with Fresh Pickles
6. Bulgogi Marinated Grass Fed Red Angus Ribeye with Ginger Roasted Shiitake, Daikon, Garlic, Sesame, Chili Arugula and Scallion Pancake
7. dessert: poached pear, ice cream, caramel sauce

The service was impeccable and the food delicious. We ordered our dinner a plate or two at a time over the course of several hours. Once our waiter figured out that we'd be ordering a bunch of small bites, he kept an eye on us without making it seem like he was hovering. We had a secluded corner booth from which we could enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

We ordered the tasting portion of each of the dishes. And, the portions were just right. The tuna tartare was nicely seasoned and light. The spring roll was fatty in a good way with the spicy sauce cutting into it so it didn't seem greasy. The sushi was okay. That was the only part of the meal that was disappointing. The shrimp was hot and spicy and complex. I wanted a second to dissect the flavors a little more, but since we only ordered the tasting menu, it was one shrimp each.

The cod was delicately done. And, the steak came with some delicious mushrooms. I'm becoming an even bigger mushroom fan than I ever thought possible. And, dessert was just the right amount of sweetness to finish off the eight course meal. I forgot to count the tiny macaroon that came out at the end. It had a sharp citrus bite that cleansed the palate beautifully.

A perfect way to kick off the holidays.

Overall rating: 8/10

Shikago
190 South Lasalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603 map it
(312) 781-7300
http://www.shikagorestaurant.com


Cheers!
mouse