East-West BBQ collaboration

Union Sushi + Barbeque

230 W. Erie ave {Erie + Franklin}
(312) 662-4888

If Sushi Wabi is listed on your resume you're well on your way to pioneer a sushi spot of your own in Chicago these days. Worachai Thapthimkuna (also known as Chao) of Union and Yut Vong of Yuzu have each opened up a sushi and BBQ/ robata (Meaning Japanese charcoal grill) menu-centered restaurant this May. Delectable meats, seafood, vegetables, and the exotic (see alligator below) on miniature skewers are fired to perfection in a traditional robata grill; it's kind of like an Asian-inspired meat lollipop for $1.5 -$4 a piece. The rolls reflected the excellence that Sushi Wabi procured like the Osaka Central roll (fishcake, eel, crispy potato, togarashi + eel sauce... 5) or the Belly Roll (hamachi, cucumber, orange tobiko, scallion, chili paste aioli, crispy tempura crumbs, fried pork belly strips + eel sauce... 7).

Take a trip to the far east without having to leave summer and your love of the BBQ behind at Union or Yuzu.CG will be at Yuzu tonight, review to follow.

{Japanese Barbecue and sushi done right}

{The scene inside Union. Funky Japanese street art and graffiti play well against the metallic detailing}

{The inside of Union}

{Alligator skewer. Sublimely hot and smokey, we'll admit it- it tasted like moist chicken wrapped in bacon. Delicious and adventurous}

{Osaka Central roll, top. Old City Market spicy tuna, seared salmon, spicy ponzu, cilantro, green onion, fried okra + wrapped in collard green... 7, below}

{Surprise & Delight. Effen Cucumber, Pimm’s No. 1, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Muddled Lemongrass, Muddled Strawberry, Seltzer... 10.Effen Cucumber  is the new Effen Black Cherry is the new black}

{South of the Border, west of the Sun.  Chinaco Blanco Tequila, Aperol, Grapefruit, Lime, Amber Agave Nectar... 10 New spin on an old classic: Margarita meets far east. This is a must try}

{Inside Yuzu Sushi BYOB in Ukrainian village, review to follow}

Union's Menu

Yuzu's Menu
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill BYOB no corkage fee
1715 W Chicago ave {Chicago + West of Paulina ave}
(312) 666- 4100