September 2007
Monthly Archive
Fri 28 Sep 2007
by Barrett Brown
Kampai Sushi & Grill
4995 Addison Circle
Addison, Texas 75248
972-490-8888
Catering mostly to hip North Dallas professionals, Kampai seems to stake its success on the sheer improbability of its signature dishes, as well as the more subtle variances on everything else. Moderately unusual items like the paisley roll and crab meat-based volcano roll are made more exotic by virtue of being served not only with wasabi, but also jicama slaw, and the grand slam of gastronomic surprises comes in the form of the “Crawfish Dynamite,” a jambalaya-type dish that melds the culinary contributions of the Japanese and Cajuns. Meanwhile, a retinue of daily specials ensure further levels of intrigue.
Fri 28 Sep 2007
by Diana Bobis
OYSY
888 S. Michigan Ave., 60605, 312-922-1127
If sushi cravings hit at lunchtime, head to this South Loop locale where $12 will buy you a bento box overfilled with spicy tuna maki, California maki, vegetable tempura and your choice of grilled salmon, superwhite tuna, chicken teriyaki or nigiri sushi. Considered the best value in the city, Oysy beautifully balances super fresh sushi and izagaya (traditional Japanese cuisine) offerings with reasonable price points. Here, unhurried diners are encouraged to share and sample many different dishes, and to enjoy each one by one. Be sure to start with the Flaming Dynamite, a spicy breaded seafood appetizer served on a fantastic flaming shell. Then move on to the special maki menu with favorites like the Emerald (sautéed scallop, asparagus and cucumber topped with spicy sauce and green caviar) and the Fire Cracker (a deep fried roll filled with shrimp, eel, avocado, cream cheese and jalapeno peppers). The minimalist chic atmosphere designed by Chicago architect Douglas Garofalo is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a relaxing hot tea or a mood-boosting martini. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great view facing Grant Park.
Fri 28 Sep 2007
OISHII SUSHI BAR
612 Hammond St. Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 277-7888
All your sushi dreams can come true at cozy Oishii Sushi. You’ll say “oishii” (delicious) at this friendly and clean mall stop, located off busy Route 9. Oisshii is known for it’s exotic combinations, such as oyster sushi wrapped in seaweed or shiitake mushroom tempura roll. This is a clam lover’s paradise, with buttery baby Hamachi, red chewy Hokigai and cherry-stone like Mirugai. Oishi is also one of the few sushi bars that torches sushi to add a different texture and flavor. Our favorite part of the menu is “Customer’s Creations:” If you tell ‘em Barry sent you, you’ll end up with Barry’s Passion Shooter, a combo of sea urchin, quail egg, Tabasco and light soy sauce. Even the appetizers are innovative—where else can you try Oishii Tuna Chip, homemade potato chip with seasoned minced tuna, pickled radish?
