"What were your first impressions when you arrived? Situated above River North’s Sushi-san, diners will find this 10-seat sushi den, where chef Kaze Chan serves an adventurous, pristine omakase menu. Between the welcoming team and modern loft space, replete with custom ceramics, stone masons, and bespoke Hinoki cutting boards, the experience feels more dinner party than restaurant booking (especially by evening’s close, when you’ve made at least a friend or two). What’s the crowd like? Date nights make up the majority of the scene here, along with small friends groups looking to celebrate (or traveling through and keen on visiting one of the city’s most talked about spots now). What should we be drinking? Beverage Director Kevin Beary (Three Dots and a Dash and The Bamboo Room), Sake Sommelier Daniel Bennett, and Wine Director Richard Hanauer (RPM Restaurants) team up for a comprehensive drinks offering here, featuring four different beverage pairings: Spirit-free ($65), sake ($95), wine ($150), and wine and sake ($175). Do try at least one of Beary’s cocktails in the course of the evening—his program features more than 100 bottles of whisky, called upon for drams like the Japanese Whisky Old Fashioned (with Banana-washed Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky, fresh banana cordial, and Okinawa sugar). Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. The team puts forth 18 impeccable courses of line-caught fish, with Chef’s expert (and often glam) finishing touches. Examples include Japanese snapper with Kanzuri and lime, Spanish mackerel with ginger and soy, and fatty bluefin tuna belly with caviar and wasabi. You’ll want to save room for every bite—right down to dessert, a serving of salty-sweet uni ice cream with arare rice crackers and mint. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Chefs and servers alike are serious about offering a world-class experience—while still having fun. That approach translates to hospitality that is equal parts on-point and relaxed, helping you to feel right at home (in some super nice digs). What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Bring a date for a special night on the town—or a food-loving friend who you know will appreciate this A-grade experience." - Nicole Schnitzler
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