Eat, Drink, and Have Fun in Chicago | Japanese Food Is All About Luck! Chef at Raisu Calls the Shots!
"For those who work overtime every day and are exhausted, those who cry after a heartbreak, those who are disheartened by failed dreams, those who have forgotten the joys of daily life, those who are overwhelmed by heavy work — a healing paradise where everyone can eat and drink their fill, feel completely satisfied, and go home with a smile." — Midnight Diner
In Chicago, there are always small, beautifully refined restaurants that hide soul-healing comfort food.
Raisu Japanese Fine Dining has always been a renowned fine dining restaurant in Chicago. A must-mention is that they also offer Omakase here!
What is Omakase?
Omakase means "I leave it up to you" in Japanese, referring to entrusting your stomach entirely to the chef! When you don't have a specific craving but want to savor delicious Japanese cuisine, you let the chef decide the menu. If you choose Omakase, the chef customizes special dishes based on your budget and the most seasonal ingredients available. These dishes reflect the chef's skill and creativity, and for many gourmets, it represents the pinnacle of Japanese dining.
The chef selects seasonal seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients to prepare the Omakase courses. For example, in spring, lighter white fish and wild vegetables are used, or cherry blossoms in bloom are incorporated into dishes; in autumn and winter, ingredients with stronger flavors like crab, ginkgo nuts, and chestnuts are used. (Just thinking about it makes me excitedly rub my hands together (*^▽^*))
The serving order of Japanese cuisine usually follows a progression from cold to hot and from light to rich flavors. It starts with delicate appetizers, then cold dishes like sashimi and sushi, followed by hot simmered and grilled dishes. In particular, miso soup is not served at the beginning but comes at the end, following the cold-to-hot principle.
Now, let's take a look at the interior of Raisu. The vintage sign hints at the slow pace here, not following the crowd! The wooden sign and hanging lanterns exude Japanese charm. The open kitchen carries on the tradition of Japanese restaurants, allowing guests seated in the middle to watch the evolution of a dish. "A great master hides in the city" truly describes this place well.
01 Ikura — Salmon Roe
The salmon roe is extremely fresh and delicious. It's also a must-order dish for everyone! It has a slight fishy taste, but it's acceptable. When you press it gently with your lips, the roe explodes in your mouth!
02 Tuna Tartare
The tuna tartare is also an incredibly appetizing small dish! Tuna, tomatoes, avocado, black olives, and other ingredients blend together, offering a refreshing texture with moist and flavorful meat.
03 Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna is considered a noble among fish. I've heard that almost every guest orders it, given its preciousness. All ingredients are freshly cut to order. Each slice conveys the owner's heartfelt sincerity. (Indeed, it tastes like money!)
04 Salmon Sashimi
How could you visit a Japanese restaurant without ordering salmon sashimi? Each slice is rich in fat, with clear marbling and visibly fresh meat! The satisfaction of eating one slice after another is brought by the salmon. It's also topped with large grains of roe.
05 Hokkaido Uni
Have you ever seen sea urchin eaten like this in America? The orange-yellow sea urchin roe is visibly rich in cholesterol and full of umami flavor!
The sea urchin sushi is also highly recommended; the sweetness of the rice pairs perfectly with the umami of the sea urchin.
One bite — absolutely delightful!
06 Kani Tempura
Japanese tempura is also renowned. This fried small crab is incredibly tasty. One bite, super crispy! Full of oil — a truly memorable flavor!
07 Wagyu Tasting
A large piece of wagyu beef lies bare on a slice of cucumber! It's cooked to medium-rare, preserving the original meaty aroma. It's accompanied by roe, and when you bite into it, it's bursting with juice!
08 Lobster Tempura
Tempura is a standout in the world of Japanese snacks! This lobster tempura is fried to a crispy perfection — the oiliness and the original flavor of the ingredients blend harmoniously.
09 Sixth Samurai
This is a sushi roll I absolutely love! Doesn't it look luxurious in the photo? It's made with salmon, trout, avocado, and roe! Paired with a special sauce, one bite is pure satisfaction.
10 Fab Four
They say that fresh ingredients only need simple cooking. This sushi roll truly lets you taste the flavor of high-quality ingredients. It includes wagyu beef sushi, scallop sushi, king crab sushi, and sweet shrimp sushi. No excessive cooking, just allowing you to enjoy the original taste!
Finally, the showstopper!
11 Dinner Platters
Chef's Choice nigiri (8 pcs)
Sashimi (12 pcs)
Customer's Choice Rolls (4 rolls)
If you come to Chicago, be sure to try this Japanese restaurant! It's not particularly crowded with tourists, nor does it have long queues. But relying on consistently creating quality dishes and the skill accumulated over time, every bite embodies the restaurant's full sincerity, and it never disappoints anyone who visits.
