Join Me For Dinner, Help A Great Cause

One of my favorite ways to experience the finesse, precision and beauty of Japanese cuisine is through an omakase, or chef’s tasting menu. I’m also a huge supporter of the local chapter of Share Our Strength, an organization that is committed to ending childhood hunger. So when the folks at Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar decided they would combine the two, I had to get on board. Beginning tomorrow, the restaurant will start offering a chef’s omakase on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and starting today, we’re kicking off a contest to separate the aficionados from the amateurs, with a chance for the winner to dine with me at the chef’s table.

All you have to do is go to the restaurant’s website, and tell me which three Japanese ingredients you’ve always wanted to try, and why. You’ll need to really make your case, as I’ll be picking the most eloquent, thought-provoking, culinary-minded answer. Deadline is December 2, at 5 p.m., and please, keep your submission to less than 200 words. At some point in December, the winner and I will sample an omakase for ourselves, and I’ll be donating the value of the meal to Share Our Strength as well.

The restaurant will have omakase seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. every Tues – Thurs; reservations can be made for 2 or 4 guests. Five to seven courses will cost $60 per guest, eight to 10 courses will run $80 per guest. Sake pairings will be available for an additional charge.

But here’s where it gets interesting: during the months of November and December, they’ll be donating 10% of all Chef’s Table sales to Share Our Strength, which will benefit children right here in Chicago.

So good luck, and keep an eye on my blog for updates and news of the winner, who will be announced Monday, December 5th.