sushi taiyo (#41)

a sushi dinner and going to see "one day" in river north, made for a nice evening.

how it sizes up: 3.5

atmosphere: it has the chain sushi restaurant vibe somewhat, but not too too much.

showstopper: flaming maki (pictured with the open flame).

would we go again?: potentially, but there are most likely others we would opt for in river north before a return trip.

seadog (#40)

this was a great find on devin's part. a perfect summer night spent on a perfect patio.

how it sizes up: 4

atmosphere: a spacious interior (though it does not appear that way from the outside), with beautiful floors and huge windows in back that are totally unexpected.

showstopper: the amazing special (pictured plated in a row of three) that i can't begin to remember the name of right now.

would we go again?: definitely. the patio speaks for itself. it's quiet, intimate and has the ability to seat many.

arami (#39)

our initial intent was to get sushi at geisha sushi bar in wicker park, however, we quickly moved to plan 'b' when it appeared as though they were closed. not for the day, for good. apparently the yelpers weren't keeping tabs on this place the way they thought.

we didn't mind though. it was 70 degrees in march, so we had ourselves a nice 20 minute walk to chicago and wolcott for arami.

how it sizes up: 4.5

atmosphere: lots of light. the tables in the back are situated with lots of windows and skylights which made for an even greater experience.

showstopper: hamachi maguro ebi. this was pretty much where we were sold on the fact that we'll be making a VERY quick return trip.

would we go again?: we could have done it all over again the very next day. devin actually said, "this might be top three, ever. if not the top." that should say it all.

wasabi (#38)

we're baaaack! devin and i had our sushi reunion at wasabi after many months sans sushi dates.

how it sizes up: 3

atmosphere: sleek, clean lines and intimate. it was pretty darn dark in there, but it was nice. our server was slightly questionable, but the rest of the staff was great.

showstopper: artmex. though the scallop starter was TO DIE FOR.

would we go again?: sure, but it's probably not the first repeat on our list. also, byo.