by Ruth A. Rich & Diane Bobis

SUSHI WABI
842 W. Randolph, 60607, 312-563-1224
Located along Randolph Street’s restaurant row, Sushi Wabi draws crowds of sushi lovers all week long. The décor is wonderfully understated with warm tones and natural surfaces. The small dining room is always quite busy without being distracting, and there is never a rushed or crowded feel. A live DJ helps to set the mood by playing downtempo jazz and beats that aren’t overpowering or intrusive. From the nigiri to the sashimi to the maki, Sushi Wabi’s concoctions are truly an experience; each piece is amazingly fresh, and the chefs have been known to whip up on-the-fly creations that aren’t on the menu, once they get to know you. For example, a favorite choice of those in the know is the Godzilla roll - a sort of all-encompassing and visually stunning dish made with, among other ingredients, eel, shrimp, avocado, and tempura pieces drizzled with unagi sauce and a creamy horseradish. Wash down the meal with one of the bar’s perfectly mixed and chilled martinis topped off with a gari (ginger)-stuffed olive.