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BYOB sushi joint opens in Lake Zurich
Sake Sushi and Grill sushi chef Sheen Xin (left) and owner Tony Wang prepare sushi Nov. 28 behind the restaurant's sushi bar. | Michelle LaVigne ~ Sun-Times Media
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Updated: December 12, 2012 9:40AM
LAKE ZURICH — Few restaurants can offer quality entrees, sashimi-grade seafood and perhaps a glass of wine or two for around $20 a person, but Sake Sushi and Grill in Lake Zurich is an exception.
Perhaps the biggest difference between a bill from Lake Zurich’s new sushi bar and a bill from another local sushi joint can be seen in the charge for alcoholic beverages. Sake Sushi and Grill allows diners to BYOB — bring your own beer, wine or sake.
And Sake Sushi doesn’t charge an extra “corkage fee,” just to have their waiters open and pour the customers drinks.
Owner Winnie Wang opened the restaurant at 884 S. Rand Road in early November, when she saw that the area didn’t have a restaurant with these features.
“Our goal is to give people the best quality food and service at a lower price,” Wang said. “I haven’t seen any other sushi restaurant in the area that has low prices in addition to the BYOB option.”
Lunch menu items boast fresh salmon, tuna, octopus, miso soup and salad for under $9. The dinner menu features an assortment of unique and traditional rolls and sushi a la carte; as well as two pieces of sashimi — like salmon, tuna, striped bass, squid and octopus — for $3.75.
Signature sushi bar appetizers include the seared salmon special, as well as the salmon-wrapped Japanese crab cake made with a fresh scallop in the center. Long-time sushi fans may enjoy the tuna tataki in particular for its basic preparation that allows the tuna’s flavor to stand on its own.
Those that enjoy their fish and sushi with all the popular bells and whistles might find the Caribbean roll enticing. This sushi roll includes coconut shrimp, mango, spicy tuna and avocado, and is topped with wasabi and sweet chili sauce.
Those not familiar with sushi or raw fish can enjoy the menu’s chicken and steak teriyaki, as well as pan fried beef “gyoza” dumplings for an appetizer, and tempura ice cream for dessert.
Wang said she’s committed to ensuring that Sake Sushi and Grill mirrors the level of service and quality that its sister restaurants, Sapparo East Sushi and Miso Sushi and Grill, have achieved in central Pennsylvania and Maryland. Wang said those restaurants were founded by her brother about 10 years ago.
Sake Sushi is closed on Monday, and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 9:30 p.m.
For more information about Sake Sushi and Grill, visit www.sakesushiandgrill.com or call (847) 796-0515.
