arami.

first post of 2014! happy new year, everyone! let's get this food party kicked off ...

ok, i know sometimes (aka, almost always) sushi posts are boring. i mean, as much as a i love a good, perfectly fresh avocado roll, it's pretty much the same every.single.time.

however, this is not another boring sushi post.

here, we have arami, a sushi bar in ukrainian village ... per their website, "updated traditional feeds the urban dweller at this innovative sushi &  japanese kitchen spot. enjoy high quality sushi in our peaceful, natural, garden like atmosphere." ah, zen dining. just how i wanted to start 2014.

and here's the thing about arami. it's not just avocado rolls + cucumber rolls + boring veggie roll central. you'll see. here's what i had ...

nira yasai :

garlic chive, vegan lemon mayo, pickled pear.

vegan lemon mayo? sign me up. now. this was my favorite of the 3 rolls i had/shared. super flavorful & just generally good. see what i meant?

kabocha yasai :

saikyo miso & white soy. 

a little more traditional, but still ultra tasty. (for non-vegs, this came with honey + almonds on top.)

nasu yasai :

eggplant & peanut red miso dressing. 
another super fantastic roll. eggplant & i have only a so-so relationship, but this preparation worked quite well for me.

my only issue with arami is ... that it's not the place to come if you are hungry. the rolls are pretty small ... so as delicious as they are, they won't fill you up. 

see? i told you this wasn't a boring sushi post. 

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arami
1829 w. chicago avenue
chicago, il 60622