Shiso Hungry

Friday night. One birthday. Five friends. Two bottles of wine. Three hours of sushi gluttony. A solid equation for the beginning of a fanatabulously rad weekend.

My friend Kristine, the birthday girl, selected Shiso in Old Town as the lucky location of the evening. Having lived in Chicago for five years, I've frequented many BYOB sushi places. Shiso was a new find for me.

So after successfully making it through this horribly depressing January week, the five of us put on our lighter winter jackets (30 degrees - WOAH) and headed to North Ave and Cleveland to enjoy a slew of Japanese fare and each other's company.

The place was filled with friends and dates... not one table left open. If you're planning to check it out on a Friday or Saturday night, reservations are suggested. Between four of us who ate, we split six rolls and a birthday brownie Sunday. Needless to say, no one left hungry.

The highlight of the plates, hands down, no question, was the Shiso Signature roll. It's set at a higher price ($12.95) but completely worth it. As described on the menu, the Shiso Signature contains smoked salmon, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro and cream cheese deep fried. Wrapped with rice and black tobiko. Served with unagi sauce and spicy mayo on the side. Basically if that means nothing to you... it was like a piece of heaven in your mouth.

Afterwards we walked down the street and enjoyed a couple brews at the Old Town Ale House while admiring the random naked paintings of celebs like Blago and Sarah Palin. Hilar. Loved the bar... another great city find.

What about you? Any discovered or re-discovered Chi-town jewels?