Yusho

Yusho

http://yusho-chicago.com/

2853 N Kedzie Ave 

Chicago, IL 60618

January 2012 was epic because I got a chance to try one of Chicago's top restaurants, Yusho. Yusho means to encourage one to celebrate with good wine at a banquet, and damn was it a celebration. "Street food is the great equalizer—no glamour required. Yakitori, when well-executed, is about the simple flavors of authentic street food. A hot grill provides intense flavors from seasonal proteins and vegetables, grilled to order over a chattering, hissing fire." The restaurant is the latest venture for Chef Matthias Merges, who previously was the executive chef at Charlie Trotter's.

Pisco Punch
don cesar especial pisco, sencha, pineapple & umeboshi gomme syrup, lemon

In Savoy We Trust
herencia reposado tequila, mezcal, lemon, quina bianco, essential oils, cardomon bitters

Hemingway in Hokkaido
crusoe white rum, rhum agricole blanc, maraschino, nigori sake, lime, grapefruit

2x Fried Chicken
kanzuri, matcha, lime

Steamed Buns with Short Ribs, Bok Choy Kimchi, Peanuts

Gobo Root 
sesame, asian pear, persimmon

Duck Confit Takoyaki

Maitake Mushroom
egg vinaigrette, dashi gelée

Filet Mignon with Shishito Peppers

Chicken Wings
bonito salt, lime, Thai chile

New Culture
redemption rye, rhubarb, lemon, vermouth di torino, abbott's bitters

Japanese Pork Rinds

Pork Belly with Kimchi, Black Garlic, and Crosnes

Soft Shell
fennel, zucchini, yuzu

Leeks
tart miso, crispy shallots, Marcona almonds