Coast Sushi – BYOB!

How cool is this? I’m going to check out this place while in Chicago this weekend. They don’t have a liquor license, but encourage you to BYO. I picked up a bottle of sake and a bottle of reisling to pair with the fresh fish, veggies, and spicy wasabi that my taste buds will be enjoying!

Coast Sushi Bar
2045 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 235-5775

Everyone’s talking about the “Coast crab” maki that this hip Japanese restaurant serves up to a trendy but in-no-rush Bucktown crowd. Consisting of spicy mayo, tobiko and flavorful king crab, it’s easy to see why. Nosh on dishes like orange tamarind duck or wasabi- and ginger-glazed tuna. Starters include salmon rolls, asparagus beef and sesame-crusted scallops. Coast’s BYOB policy makes dinner all the more appetizing.
The interior is a classy one, making this date-worthy spot one that’ll cost a wee bit extra. But with a large menu of fresh nigiri; signature rolls like $15 po’ boy maki (white fish tempura, unagi, cream cheese, masago, spicy sauce, scallion, avocado, tempura crumb and eel sauce); and a handful of desserts that include the Choco Sticks (mango, strawberry, kiwi on stick in warm chocolate sauce), you’ll forget you’re paying more…in some ways, you’re paying less (than what you’d fork over at an equally scene-y liquor-filled place). Note: There’s often a wait, but the hostess will gladly open your bottle to help pass the minutes.

Here’s the hootch I picked up:
Rihaku Nigori Sake Dreamy Clouds

Weingut Alfred Bonnet Pfalz 2004 Riesling Spatlese
I couldn’t find a picture, but my dad, the wino, recommended it!

Happy Vacation to me!