Tablehopping: Fresh fish, sake variety, more spice at RA Sushi

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Zachary J. Huesgen, general manager RA Sushi Bar and Restaurant in Glenview. | Photo by Lee Litas~for Sun-Times Media

Updated: May 3, 2011 2:10PM

"The idea has been to insure that we give a great value of good food to our customers," said Zack Huesgen, general manager of RA Sushi in Glenview.

The very first RA opened its doors in 1997 in Scottsdale, Ariz. While the desert might not be the first place you think of when you think of sushi, the concept of founders Rich Howland, Scott Kilpatrick and Executive Chef Tai Obata grew swimmingly to include more than 25 restaurants nationwide stretching from coast to coast.

In Glenview, this Benihana-owned chain opened its doors in May 2006 and last December they unveiled their latest menu featuring spicier selections in a tiered price-line ranging from $2-$7.

Huesgen acknowledges that over the years RA has gained something of a reputation for being on the pricier side. Now he says, "We want to dial it down as far as the cost goes but still be able to give great service and a good atmosphere for people to come in and enjoy themselves."

A trained chef, Huesgen also runs the adult sake/sushi socials at RA and has put together a program featuring the variety, history and uses of sake.

RA's Sake Flights include the Hananomai Katana -- Shizouka which comes in a smaller bottle to be shared by one or two people ($10) and works well with the various nigiri (raw slice of fish on top of an oblong mound of sushi rice) and sashimi (raw fish); and the Sho Chiku Bai Nigori "Crème De Sake" from California ($13/bottle) which has a distinct thickness and creamy texture with delicate notes of coconut and a bit of pineapple making it a perfect pairing for dessert or as a balance for very spicy food. Both choices are a great way to elevate your sushi meal to a truly fine dining experience.

RA has added more tapas to its Happy Hour menu in smaller portions "so you can order a lot of them." Unquestionably addictive, the Shishito Peppers are sauteed in Asian spices then doused with Toberachi, a popular Japanese seasonings which adds both heat and flavor to dishes. The sweet, spicy-salty flavor of these succulent nibbles insure that you can't eat just one. Money saving tip: Save $3 dollars on a regular-sized portion by getting them during Happy Hours, which are 3-7 p.m. Mondays - Saturdays ($4 HH/$7 regular).

RA's seafood is prepped in small portions to preserve freshness. Signature rolls include the Vegetable Tempura Roll, great for guests who don't want to eat any raw fish. Made with lightly-battered asparagus, sweet potato and Japanese eggplant, it is topped with colorful crunchy fried tempura bits and drizzled with a sweet eel sauce ($7.50/8 pieces).

The Pacific Roll offers a spicy mix of albacore tuna with cilantro, jalapeños and cucumber, topped with fresh avocado and mango salsa, and finished with red beet tempura bits and sauteed cashew nuts ($9.50/8pieces).

And the fusion-inspired "RA"ckin' Roll blends Kani Kama crab with cream cheese, rolls it in rice and seaweed, adds fresh homemade guacamole and shrimp before finishing with a creamy ginger-mayo teriyaki sauce, red beet tempura bits and Toberachi ($13/8 pieces).

For dessert, the Sweet Mochi Trio is a Japanese treat offering 2-pieces each of mango, strawberry and vanilla ice cream wrapped in sweet and gooey rice cakes, and garnished with kiwi and strawberry slices ($10.50).

"We're hip, trendy and in-your-face with a great atmosphere and a fun wait staff, and we want people to come in and have a really good time but (not) pay an arm and a leg for it," said Huesgen.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

2601 Aviator Lane, Glenview. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday; 11 a.m. -12 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Ample parking, handicap accessible. (847) 510-1100. www.Rasushi.com.

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