Yusho Review - Avondale - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Want to get a little weird and eclectic with modern Japanese inspired food? Good news, because just like Adam, Blake, and 'Ders from Workaholics that’s what we're about to do. Enter, Yusho, brainchild of Mattheis Merges, the guy who spent over 14 years running Charlie Trotter’s entire operation. NBD but KBD. He’s not in the kitchen these days, but Yusho is still going strong. Yusho's thing is Japanese style cooking, but they incorporate different flavors and ingredients from around the world. There are two different routes you can go here. One is to get ramen for yourself at around $16, but you'll miss the better experience if you do. Instead, come with a few others and the intention of sharing a mix of everything, because that's where the most interesting dishes are hiding. Snacks + sides, skewers, steam buns, noodles, and fish + meat - you're going to need a bit of it all. Dishes like bucatini with spicy cod roe and fried chicken steam buns incorporate the best of Japanese style and different regional cuisines. Not everything works though, and some flavors, like the catfish steam bun, can be a bit confusing and miss the mark. But like a young Madonna, you’ll respect the f*ck out of the fact Yusho takes risks and pushes boundaries all of the time. If you go the route we suggest, the whole experience will be a bit different and fun. That includes the very particularly decorated room with its light fixtures, artwork, and tchotchke's that make Yusho a comfortable but interesting space. The personal sake they make is quite unique too. Get some of that to ensure things get weird." - Sam Faye