Toro Sushi (http://www.yelp.com/biz/toro-sushi-chicago) is spectacular. Not only is it levels above all other sushi places I've tried in Chicago, it is one of the best sushi places I've been to ever, including, I must admit, the New York ones. It all started with my complete disappointment in the Chicago sushi scene after a string of highly recommended establishments tried, but miserably failed to impress. Refusing to subject myself to the rampant mediocrity, I finally went on a no-sushi diet, interrupted only haphazardly by an occasional trip to NYC. After months of unsatisfied cravings and a number of fresh disappointments, I was almost ready to, like pizza, retire the eastern cuisine into the “vault of foods not to eat in Chicago,” when a miracle occurred. An acquaintance, who had for a number of years lived in both Chicago and NYC threw out the name of Toro. My incessant cravings for the little fish morsels and a particularly long stretch of time away from New York finally overpowered my resolve and led me, hesitating and full of dread, to Toro. The rest is history. Let's just say that my cravings now involve visions of Toro's sushi bar and Mitch (the guy behind the bar) orchestrating the magic that only those salivating over tiny little slivers of fished rolled in rice and seaweed can understand. For those of you who have yet to experience Toro, the place is tiny, reminding one of the little hole-in the-wall establishments of the city I love so much. The elbow room is tight and getting in is as easy as acing a calculus exam. Needless to say, it is worth the wait. To avoid a NYC-style wait (i.e. – 2 hours or more) skip the peak hours and go during the week. If offered a seat at the bar, take it and enjoy watching Mith at work. Try one of his spectacular inventions of the day. The guy is a master with mixing flavors and textures, so just trust him and order whatever he makes. If you see a particularly attractive roll being devoured at the table next to you, don't hesitate to point and ask for the same.
It's been a few months now since my discovery of Toro and I have not only not been disappointed, but every time I go there, I get even more excited about it. The rolls are particularly amazing – lush in number and variety and so well thought out that I guarantee you, you will like any one you try. I am now, in fact, having second thoughts about posting this entry, as I know it will only make the lines bigger and the wait longer.
Posts
