Sushi | Bar Chicago by Chef Ambrely Ouimette is said to open this Spring 2023. Adding a unique omakase dining concept to the Windy City’s restaurant lineup, this marks Chef Ouimette’s third restaurant, a feat as she is actually one of the only female omakase chefs in the country.
The restaurant is set in an intimate 30-person space per evening, nestled within the soon-to-be-opened Lady May restaurant, a forthcoming Garrett Hospitality concept.
Kuchar, a women-owned Chicago-based design studio is tasked with bringing the space to life– it will be designed to transport diners to another world with an upfront, mysterious allure that creates a friendly and intimate experience between chef and guests.
Sushi | Bar Chicago will be set up with 12 guests per seating area as they experience a show-stopping 17-course omakase experience prepared by Chef Ouimette.
With restaurants open in Miami and another in Austin, Texas, the menu is said to be littered with fun twists, and the space will hopefully bring about a sense of community! The menu will probably change often but will always include the freshest fish which will be flown in weekly via top markets around the world– like Japan, Australia, and California.
Usually, omakase menus shift almost daily, but here, there will be some signature dishes, like Aged Bluefin Akami with dehydrated red miso and everything bagel spice, or Hokkaido Scallop with white truffle salt, shaved black truffle, and truffle caviar, or Kanpachi with pineapple, passionfruit, shishito vinaigrette and shaved coconut. Diners can also expect Chicago-exclusive options curated by the chef herself that work to incorporate the region’s leading purveyors and artisan growers, supporting local and working with seasonal produce.
By providing an interpretive take on the traditional sushi counter experience, the chef is said to be preparing a menu filled with “unexpected riffs on long-standing sushi classics” adding in her signature style with “house-made accouterments like koshos, ferments, pickles, and salt-blends.”
As for the space, it’ll be filled with warm wood, curved shelving, stacked tile, and terrazzo flooring for a mid-century feel, along with upholstered panels and brass fixtures for a Chicago-specific spin. The main attraction? Probably the vibrant green marble backdrop, which will be placed behind the bar and helps to highlight the ‘art of sushi making.’
Diners will also be offered a selection of drink pairings from sake to cocktails, wine, and beer. PS: Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to their reservation to enjoy a welcome cocktail.
Ouimette’s history includes everything from leading teams at Matsuhisa Denver and Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar in San Diego. With the success of her first two restaurants, this next Chicago location will surely be a hit. Reservations are open from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The three nightly seating times are currently from 5:30 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.; and 9:45 p.m. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make a reservation at www.sushibarhospitality.com.
Address: Inside Lady May at 405 N. Wabash Avenue in Chicago’s River North.