Restaurant Spotlight: Arami

Dinner at Arami tops as my favorite sushi experience to date.  The freshness, execution, and quality of the sushi and sashimi was phenomenal, and the presentations are literally a work of art! Located on Chicago Ave. just east of Damen, you may pass the unassuming front and think it’s nothing special, but THIS is a sushi restaurant you have to try!  

We started off with the special of the night - Aji or Japanese Horse Mackerel. I had no idea what to expect, as I have never had this type of fish. It's a sustainable fish with an oily flesh (think omega 3 and all the good stuff) and is abundant in Japan (thank you Google!) Some might be deterred by being presented with a whole fish at your table, but I was blown away by the artful presentation.

Next we were presented with the Toro Tartar bite and the Uni Shooter. The tartar is minced fatty tuna, chives, caviar and the house special soy sauce, served on a white spoon.  Fresh and with a delicate smoked finish, the bite melted in my mouth. Now the Uni shooter took some more convincing for us to order. I had never tried Sea Urchin and I wasn’t sure if I was ready. Our amazing server Megan, told us to just go for it, we wouldn’t regret it. Served in a shot glass with diced cucumber, shiso leaf and again, the house special soy sauce, I don’t even think I can describe to you what it tasted like. It was certainly different, but unexpectedly good!

We also ordered the other special of the night, Ebi Yake, which is Maya shrimp, miso butter, and black garlic. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the miso butter added extra deliciousness to the dish!

We ordered several rolls and all were impeccable in freshness and flavor. The Zuke Saske Hotate is a roll of spicy scallops wrapped with salmon. The flavors were so layered and everything complemented each other so well! Yum!

I love soy and lots of wasabi, but Megan suggested we try the rolls sans soy. We were a little hesitant but gave it a shot and WOW. The Shrimp Tempura Asparagus with fried shrimp, asparagus and spicy salmon was delicious.

Last, we had the Maguro Kani -  Spicy king crab wrapped w/ a fresh piece of eel and topped w/ toasted almond slices. The spicy crab inside is warm, so you have warm, cold, and crunchy all in 1 bite!!

Order the triple gelato item for dessert. It's from Black Dog Gelato. You can thank me later.

Needless to say, I cannot wait to go back to Arami! The wait staff is awesome, welcoming and knowledgeable. Megan seriously knew about everything on the menu. She thoroughly impressed us! The ambience is perfect and the food alone is reason to go! What are are you waiting for??

1829 W Chicago Ave.
(between Wood St & Wolcott Ave)

(312) 243-1535

http://www.aramichicago.com/ 

**Congrats to Arami for just receiving a Bib Gourmand!
http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2011/11/09/michelin-guide-announces-2012-bib-gourmand-picks.php