Sushi by Bou

If you've graduated from California roll with its pressed imitation crab substance and uninspired tuna rolls, it's time for an omakase experience. Omakase is chef's choice and it's a wonderfully surprising dining encounter as each course appears with a description of what your palate is about to encounter. Omakase is easy to find in Chicago (with some even earning Michelin Stars) but it's quite pricey. Enter Sushi by Bou, open since January, 2022, offering a timed omakase: 12 pieces/30 minutes/$50 per person or 17 pieces/60 minutes for $100 per person. Order a drink and watch the chef prepare servings of artfully plated fish: lean tuna, hamachi, spotted prawn, salmon roe, scallop, bbq eel and even a torched morsel of miso cod lying on a small sheet of nori among the courses. Make no mistake - this is "timed" so eat up because there's no lingering at the sushi bar after your last bite. You can, however, retire to a comfortable living room area to enjoy an additional drink after your time is up!