04/22/07

Best maki rolls we ever had

by susanmac1

April 21, 2007 - My husband & I have dined all over the world, including Kyoto, Japan. The food at Kansaku was right there at the top. Attractively presented & innovative ingredients were very pleasing. We sat at the bar & the bartender, Ted, was gracious & helpful in recommending everything from sparkling wines vs champagnes to great selections from the menu. The atmosphere is kind of Greenwich Village which is nice. They take reservations for favorite tables & even seating at the bar. We highly recommend this restaurant, and they deliver!

• Pros: Ambience, parking, service but above all - the food
• Cons: Nothing

04/03/07

Great Food ...Decent service

by sarah030784

Food there is great for the price, good portions. Service was fast for a weekend and no reservation. We were greeted promptly and asked to sit at the bar while our table was prepared. Bartender was a joke. Acted like he didn't even see us there. When it was my group of three and one other couple sitting at the bar. Had a major attitude and was extremely rude. Once seated at our table everything was fine. Until I got my mojito, made by the rude bartender, which was horrible. But, they have the best vegetable pot-stickers i have ever had! Just stay away from the bar...

• Pros: Food, fast service
• Cons: Booze, bad bartender

Sleek, darkly lit Evanston spot seduces with people watching, tempura and rolls.

by Contributor

The Scene
Evanston denizens of all stripes--young, old, sweatshirt-clad and high-heeled--meet at this modern downtown spot. Long, wooden benches and leather chairs belly up to dark wooden tables, while a red-lit sushi and cocktail bar occupy the rear wall. Service--and water pours--can be slow.

The Food
Inventive appetizers, as well as numerous crunchy, tempura-based rolls dominate the menu. Asparagus rolled with thinly sliced filet mignon is a hit as a starter, as is a delicate, pear-topped citrus spring roll, which mixes spicy tuna, lettuce, crab meat and cucumber. Seared scallops with spicy mayonnaise are a miss with their tough texture. Signature rolls such as the King Kong--shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado and cream cheese--are both creamy and crispy, while seared spicy tuna crowns a flavorful Scorpion roll with soft-shell crab and cucumber. Well-portioned entrees such as salmon teriyaki, filet mignon and seared tuna are also available.