Macku Sushi

Macku is an amazing restaurant. I am a regular customer, typically I have them deliver. The nigiri, rolls, salads are always top notch. I believe their quality, care and preparation is superior to the majority of sushi restaurants. HOWEVER, delivery pales in comparison to what is offered in the restaurant. A suggestion to anyone who has the pleasure of dining here. Ask your waiter to have the chef plan your meal. Indicate your likes, he/she will tell you what is freshest, unique, seasonally available. Let them know number of courses and if you are wanting to put some budget constraint let them know as well. The last time at Macku, was this past week,  we  had a beautifully orchestrated four course dinner.  Macku should not be compared to sushi restaurants, but instead to the top fine dining restaurants of Chicago

Order the soup.  It almost doesn't matter which one, just. order. the. soup.

It may seem strange to start a review of a sushi place by complementing their soup, but once you try it you'll understand.  The white asparagus is a perennial favorite, but various mushroom soups also frequently make appearances.  Whatever it is, go out on a limb, do yourself a favor and order the soup.

As for the fish, this is not your mother's sushi.  Macku is probably not the place you want to go if you are looking for simple, traditional standbys or elaborate Americanized maki with cream cheese and sriracha.  The quality and freshness of the fish is equal to or better than any I've found outside Japan (which seems odd for a landlocked city, but I'm not complaining).  The real highlight of Macku's menu, and the reason to go here rather than the bajillion other sushi joints in Chicago (other than the soup, that is) are the specialty nigri and sashimi.  It is fresh, it is delicious, and it is probably something you haven't tried anywhere else.

Now, if you want traditional, high-quality sushi made from only nori, rice, and fish, go to Katsu or Ginza.  If you want cheap fish or deep fried rolls soaking in mayo, go to one of the millions of cheap sushi joints littering the streets.  But if you want the freshest fish and truly innovative food that grafts the best of contemporary cuisine onto the roots of Japanese tradition, go to Macku.  And don't forget to order the soup.

It was ok, but not nearly as good as the price tag dictates. Did the chef's special and it was a disappointment. Food tasted like cheap blow torch fuel in some cases. Even a culinary newbie can tell you it's probably not good practice to pair something beautiful and light like fresh, raw fish with a hunk of foie gras - unless you are just trying to run up the tab. Service was average, but again not what the price point should demand. It gets a little annoying when every beverage recomendation can be summed up to what the most expensive thing in the category in question might be. Kaze was one of my favorite sushi places when it was around... but sadly, Macku is lacking the love that Kaze had. Won't be back.