"The Perfect Union"

October 2, 2012

• sushi
• fresh
• quaint
• modern
• chic

• Food: Amazingly fresh and delicious.
• Decor: Very modern and chic
• Service: Top-notch, some of the best customer service anywhere
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Amazing and unique cocktails. The master mixologist is also open to whipping up something especially for you

Overview:

I have been a fan of Union Sushi + BBQ since it initially opened a few years back. I love everything about the restaurant including the interior set-up & decor, the staff, and the food. Actually, my only complaint would be that the place is a bit on the smaller side but that's all I got.

Without question, Union Sushi offers up some of the absolute best in customer service and some of the absolute best in food. Everything seriously tastes amazing. With every bite I take I am in heaven. I honestly don't think I have ever had anything there I didn't like though I do have my favorites.

Please see my list of recommended dishes for my favorites. I will definitely be returning to Union again and again and again.

Recommended Dishes:

SASHIMI CUP?- salmon, super white tuna, green onion, rice puff, lime, ponzu + wasabi avocado puree $8 TRUFFLED TUNA - truffle oil, avocado, parmesan, chili fresco + wonton chips $11 SOBA SALAD -?tempura enoki mushrooms, nappa cabbage, tomato, red + yellow onion, chili pepper, cilantro, garlic oil + spicy ponzu $8 OLD CITY MARKET?- spicy tuna, seared salmon, spicy ponzu, cilantro, green onion, crispy onion + wrapped in collard green Half $7.5/Full $15 HOKKAIDO?- grilled scallop, avocado, masago-mayo, roasted pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, garlic + wrapped in soy paper Half $7.5/Full $15 DEVON - sweet potato, curry mayo, chive, pickled radish + eel sauce Half $4/Full $8 JUMBO SHRIMP?(from the BBQ bar) - sweet black pepper, sesame $6 PUMPKIN MOCHI CAKE -?cream cheese ice cream, homemade caramel, pumpkin brittle $6

"Saki Bomb Virgin"

January 24, 2012

• sushi
• asian fusion

• Food:
• Decor: Ecclectic
• Service: On point
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

I came to Union with no expectations. I left with a little Saki Bomb buzz! A good friend of mine works at a nearby hotel so they invited her and a guest to experience Union Sushi on the house. Let me just tell you, I was so glad she took me with her, dinner was amazing.

We ordered a lot from the menu, including alligator, yum, and Chef Chao sent us out 5 or 6 additional items. My favorite thing was the duck liver pate. The little toast points that came with it were perfect and the flavor of the pate was amazing. I didn't want to share! :)I always order Toro when it's available, which they had - and I loved. Chef Chao also gave us a tour of the space. There is a bar and lounge upstairs that is perfect for drinks/apps. Great after work spot.

I will def. be back here soon.

Recommended Dishes:

Duck Liver Pate, Maki, Alligator

"Sushi in River North--thumbs up!"

July 11, 2011

• Food: sushi, BBQ, asian flavor
• Decor: funky
• Service: attentive, helpful
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

Went to Union today for their first day serving lunch and will definitely be back. It was a nice addition to the River North lunch selections and has something on the menu for everyone. As a non-fish eater, I was excited to be able to attend a "sushi lunch" with my co-workers. I started with the house salad which is arugula (my fave), tofu breadcrumbs,veggies and a delicious yuzu dressing. I LOVED the Devon roll and actually ordered a second roll after I devoured the first one. The Underground salad was a beautiful presentation and the rest of the food was all wonderfully prepared and presented.
I am very intrigued to come back for the larger dinner menu and check out some of the other options only offered for dinner.
Thumbs up!

Recommended Dishes:

House Salad, Underground salad, Beef Filet, Devon Roll

"Sushi, Barbeque and Somehow Even More"

May 12, 2011

• sushi
• kushiyaki

• Food: Beautifully prepared kushiyaki, plus creative sushi and small plates
• Decor: Graffiti-laden, Modern, Clean, Open kitchen
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Extensive sake/cocktails

Overview:

Just three days into business I was really impressed with the quality and presentation of the food at Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar.

The robata grill is the centerpiece to this open kitchen, situated behind glass just a few steps into the doorway. I stopped in briefly just to try a few skewers, namely the Beef Tongue, Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallop and the Fish Cakes. Each were beautiful to look at, presented with delicate care, and in the end, much, much more than just meat on a stick. I would probably have been pleased with simple meat prepared really well, but the sauces and accompaniments really added a lot of interesting flavors and textures to each skewer. (wasabi-avocado pure?e, sweet plum sauce and fried ginger on the scallop; Wisconsin pepperjack and togarashi on the fish cake). Now, if only they could open another location near me, closing no sooner than 3:00 a.m. I have a feeling that these skewers are going to start calling my name around then.

Also greatly enjoyed the truffled tuna and duck wing apps, fwiw.

Pretty interesting menu. Will definitely be back to try more.

Recommended Dishes:

Truffled Tuna, Buffalo Duck Wing, Beef Tongue, Prosciutto-wrapped Scallop, Fish Cakes