Sai Cafe: Japanese Seafood & Sushi

Make it a date night at Sai Cafe! That's what my friend Ken and I did last week when him and I were on a hunt for some sushi. Situated on Sheffield Ave near the corner of Armitage in Lincoln Park, Sai Cafe is a local restaurant that I always walk by when I am headed to the Brown line for class at the Loop. Having dined there once before last year, I knew that Ken would be able to get me to be a bit more adventurous in my sushi endeavors. Ken, also a DePaul student is cultured in the sushi scene having worked at various Thai/sushi restaurants in the past. 

By adventurous, I mean, he made me eat salmon skin people! Never thought I would say that that was one of the best and unique items I have had at a sushi restaurant. It is called the Sake Kawa (Salmon skin) salad on the menu. When I heard Ken say skin I immediately thought we would be handed a plate of crispy fish scales but to my surprise I barely even noticed them. The salad was mainly flaked pieces of juicy-filleted salmon meat with bean sprouts, citrus, and an amazing dressing that Ken and I wanted to drink with a straw. The waitress had to basically pry the plate away from Ken as he tried to soak up every last bit of salad. If you go to Sai Cafe, are looking to share an appetizer, and like salmon, don't be detered from the name and order the Salmon skin salad! I promise it will be a crowd pleaser.

Like I mentioned, Ken is clearly the more adventurous eater in the sushi department, which I will have to work on for all you sushi seekers out there. I opted for the a maki roll with tuna, cucumber, avocado, spinach, and gourd (which is like a squash, traditionally dried, soaked in water, and simmered in sugar, soy sauce, and rice wine). Also, you can ask your waiter/waitress for brown rice instead of white rice if you have a specific preference. 

Overall, Ken and I had a cute little date night at Sai Cafe. Great service and food. They also have a nice wine and cocktail selection!