Chicago Bites #62
Republic Pan-Asian Restaurant & Lounge
The tuna tartar was a favorite.
Republic has a long and satisfying list of appetizers and curries, but seems to have trouble with the sushi and dessert side of the menu. And while it has a beautiful atmosphere, the service lacks polish. Does the good outweigh the bad in this new near-north offering? Tune in and find out.
(9.5 M)
00:00 - 01:49 Intro & wine pairings
01:50 - 05:14 Exploring the appetizers, wonderin' about grandpa squid
05:15 - 06:37 Salad, salad, salad
06:38 - 11:15 Curries, hot pots & sushi ruminations
11:16 - 18:14 Service, sake, ninja theater & atmosphere
18:15 - 20:38 Forgetable desserts, wrap-up & sign-off
Republic Pan-Asian Restaurant & Lounge
58 E Ontario St.
Bridget rates Republic 7/10
Tammy rates Republic 6/10
Wine featured in this podcast:
Bitch Grenache Wine 2005
Sushi is a hit or miss venture at Republic.
Related Chicago Bites Posts:
Mizu Yaktori & Sushi Lounge
Morimoto
Comments
I haven't been here, but I just ate at Maki Sushi in Park Ridge. The food was average, but I have to make two comments.
1. I sat at the sushi bar and watched the chef preparing dishes for other guests. I was amazed to see them using condiment bottles to squirt a wasabi mayonnaise and a soy? dressing on top of the prepared rolls. I was appalled. I was also happy that mine didn't have any.
2. They were playing bad 80's era music from a radio station. And it was loud. Ugh.
Posted by: Jack Vinson | June 26, 2007 2:26 PM