Are you craving some authentic sushi? Be ready to get blown up by the taste of sushi at Mako Chicago, prepared using Chef BK Park’s traditional cooking style. When you visit Mako, be prepared to experience an atmosphere you have been waiting for for a long time.
The restaurant’s interior, food, staff, and everything else here will leave you spellbound. So, call your friends, or inform your family, and let them know you are taking them out on a lunch/dinner date here.
A Detailed History of Chef BK Park & Mako Chicago
Address: 731 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
Phone: +1 312-988-0687
Website: https://www.makochicago.com/
Chef BK Park is a renowned name in the culinary world. The chef has over 20 years of experience working with seafood. Park worked in a sushi restaurant during his graduation to earn money and pursue a hotel management course. Due to this hard work, he was even offered a job at that restaurant to help the chef in the kitchen.
He decided to start working with the chef and sharpen his culinary skills. Over time, he learned the technique and culture of sushi. He then started working at Tsunami on the Gold Coast, and within 2 years, he was declared the head chef. It was then in the year 1999 when Park joined the team at Mirai Sushi and dedicated 7 years as head chef. After this, he moved to co-open Arami in West Town.
Then approximately after 3 years in 2013, he started his restaurant, Juno, which was famous for its authentic omakase menu. This eatery received the title of “one of Chicago’s very best Japanese restaurants” by a critic, Phill Vettel. Apart from this, it also secured 3 stars from the Chicago Tribune.
It was Chef Park who developed the omakase concept. Soon after this concept got stardom, he opened Mako Chicago in 2019. The name of this eatery comes after the name of a shark species known for focus, instinct, precision, and speed. This present restaurant is Park’s highly-anticipated project. He has used all his experience and skills to establish a popular place. Here’s another thing to note, just after 6 months of its opening, Mako Chicago was awarded 1 Michelin star along with 4-star reviews by the Chicago Tribune.
What’s Michelin Guide’s Point of View on Mako Chicago?
The guide has explained this eatery in one line- High-quality cooking, worth a stop!
As per their experience, they say this eatery is difficult to spot. But as soon as you find this hidden gem, you will fall in love with the place. For them, it is a hot ticket with seats limited to 22 only. The chef here, along with the team, keeps working to ensure that the food served tantalizes the taste buds of all visitors. Their favorites from the menu include braise abalone or black cod with burnt scallion ponzu, and chawanmushi stocked with mushroom and crab. Slos, they state that their dessert is something that shouldn’t be missed.
Everything About the Menu
Mako Chicago has a lot to offer to their foodies. Their omakase menu is something that not every restaurant has. So, come with us and know what all you can have on your visit to Mako.
- KAISO SALAD
seaweeds, oyster, sudachi vinaigrette, smoked trout roe
- AKAMI
lean bluefin tuna, nori aioli, mountain yam
- ANKIMO
hiramasa, monkfish liver, pearl onion
- AWABI
braised abalone, roasted ginkgo nut
- NIGIRI
seasonal selection of nigiri
- SUIMONO
fish bone consommé
- SASHIMI
seasonal selection of sashimi
- BLACK COD
burnt scallion ponzu
- NIGIRI
seasonal selection of nigiri
- KAKUNI PORK
kabocha squash, miso turnip, grilled kale
- NIGIRI
seasonal selection of nigiri
- TEMAKI
seasonal hand roll
- AKA ANAGO
soy marinated saltwater eel
- TAMAGO
Egg
- KUROGOMA MOCHI CAKE
black sesame, crème fraiche, strawberry
Apart from the food section, their menu has a different section for beverages. From wines and beers to tea and Japanese whisky, you can pair any of your favorite drinks with your food. For wine, you can choose from sparkling, white, and red wine, and for beer, you can order Koshihikari Ichigo lager and Stillwater extra dry.
Their Specialty is Japanese Whisky, Including
- Nikka from the barrel
- Hibiki Japanese Harmony
- Hakushu 12 year
- Yamazaki 12 year
- Akashi sake cask 5 year
- Ichiro chichibu US edition 2020
Do try their unique whisky edition if you are into drinks. We are sure you will want to have more once you try them.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Mako Chicago is a culinary haven that offers an exquisite dining experience where the flavors of authentic sushi take center stage. The journey of Chef BK Park from working in a sushi restaurant to owning one has definitely proved to be inspiring. This eatery is famous throughout the world for its amazing omakase experience in Chicago.
From the KAISO SALAD to the KUROGOMA MOCHI CAKE, each course presents a symphony of flavors that leave guests spellbound. So, step into this amazing dining and let us know if you enjoyed their food and drinks.
