The Chicago Traveler

Romance shouldn’t be reserved for just Valentine’s Day. As the temperatures begin to cool down, you can keep your relationship hot by visiting one or more of the ten best romantic date spots (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. Shanghai Terrace. With elegant art and a beautiful view, this Asian restaurant offers delicious sophistication.
9. Cyrano’s Bistrot and Wine Bar. The River North eatery serves French basics amidst casual, rustic surroundings.
8. Le Bouchon. Authentic and delicious French dishes at remarkable prices make this bistro one of Bucktown’s best.
7. Angelina Ristorante. In Lakeview, the popular date spot provides authentic Italian in a comfortable …read more

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Sure, your local storefront seafood market that fries the heck out of your fish may be tasty, but it’s not very striking. When it’s time to impress your date, you’re going to need something smooth and stylish. Welcome to Mirai Sushi.
With a sleek dining room and trendy lounge (between Crust and Bravo Tapas), Mirai is often full of Wicker Park hipsters relaxing over sake and wasabi. Fresh fish is flown in daily, ingredients for the menu’s various rolls, entrees, and delicious appetizers like the grilled shrimp and steamed pork buns. Standout dishes like king crab in spicy mayo and steamed …read more

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To all our U.S. readers, happy Fourth! If you want to celebrate without the traditional explosions and fireworks, here are a few other options…
• Continuing from yesterday’s festivities, the Fourth of July Celebration at Citizen Bar features a $25 drink package (along with a free burger before 1 p.m.) and a bags tournament. (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
• Are you a fan of anime? Break out your costumes for J-Pop Night, a Japanese pop dance party at darkroom. ($5 after 11 p.m., 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
• Blu Coral, a contemporary sushi lounge, offers a special patriotic menu. Dinner specials …read more

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Okay, get this. Brazil. Japan. Peru. You would think that combining plates from these three cuisines would be dangerous at best. And yet, Sushi Samba Rio fuses this trio together scrumptiously.
The eclectic phenomenon begins the moment you walk in the door. Energetic and fun, the sound of a salsa beat greets hungry patrons. The spacious restaurant is divided into several sections, each with its own atmosphere and personality. From the rooftop lounge to the sleek circular sushi bar, the spaces are just as attractive as the people who fill them. This is a great place to do a little people-watching, …read more

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When I first walked into Agami, I thought I was in the wrong neighborhood. A contemporary sushi place with this fanciful décor? I obviously had to be downtown. But no, this dining room featuring a curved bar, sushi bar, and striking red banquettes is found in Chicago’s north side, in Uptown. The textured turquoise walls suggest an oceanic venture, accompanied by sky-high seaweed sculptures. If that weren’t enough to get the point across, large flat-screen TVs project scenes of underwater footage.
The menu is extensive, offering dozens of recognizable maki, nigiri, and sashimi options, along with a few seasonal specialties. Start …read more

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Here are a few more ways to bring in the New Year in Chicago:
• Metro: If you’re into the indie rock scene, Spoon will be headlining and playing songs from their most recent album, “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.” 18+ (10 p.m., $76) (map) (link)
• Motel Bar: So maybe you’re not so good at planning ahead. This River North lounge is just for you, requiring no cover and no reservations. Enjoy $8 champagne cocktails and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. (5 p.m. – 2 a.m., no cover) (map) (link)
• Victor Hotel: Join the lively crowd of dressed-to-impress grown-ups along …read more

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Back to our International Tour, it’s time for Asia. While many may be familiar with Chicago’s Chinatown down on the South Side, there is also a New Chinatown developing and growing near the intersection of Argyle St and Broadway Ave. It’s a mix of Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, and Thai shops and restaurants. Because Asia is the largest continent, there are plenty of cuisines to choose from. Sushi places and Chinese food are so common though, so let’s focus on some of the lesser-known tastes of Asia.
Zen Noodles in Wicker Park (around the corner from People Lounge) does offer sushi, …read more

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There are plenty of places that serve up Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisine in the city. But how many let you shop after you eat? Whether you love all things Japanese or are just a curious first-timer, there is a massive market in Arlington Heights that is not to be missed.
Mitsuwa Marketplace is a Japanese mall primarily consisting of a grocery store and a food court, but you can also find an authentic experience here through a bookstore, a travel agency, a video store, a liquor store, and a pastry shop. You’ll find an impressive sushi collection at affordable prices …read more

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The Weed Street district may be best known for a lively nightlife, but Tokyo 21 has added fine food to the mix. The owners of Chicago’s renowned Kamehachi chain created this contemporary Japanese spot, which feels like an authentic Asian lounge. Neon lights, great music, video screens: all of these are typical ingredients of an upscale techno-colored club in Tokyo.
Serving sushi until 1:00 a.m. on weekends, the restaurant draws both a dinner clientele and Weed Street’s late-night crowd. Not surprisingly, considering the Kamehachi connection, the sushi bar serves up a major part of the menu. One eye-catching specialty is called …read more

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Sometimes, you want to skip right over the meal and just indulge yourself, satisfying that sweet tooth with dessert. If you’re feeling especially decadent, you might want to check out the following temptations.
David Burke’s Primehouse is normally known for its mouth-watering steaks but the signature dessert is nothing to scoff at either. “It’s a silver-plated tree with ten stems, each stem holding a cheesecake lollipop,” explains Jason Miller, an executive chef. Each little cheesecake ball is loaded with a different topping, like white and pink chocolate and crushed pistachios, for example. The whole thing is served alongside a small bowl …read more

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