Weekly Planner: Late-night Omakase, Dancing at Apogee, Band of Bohemia's New Brunch

Late-night OmaKaze at Sushi-san

We’re living in the golden era of sushi in Chicago, and few new entries are as hot as River North’s Sushi-san. From the customizable handrolls and the cocktails served in Chinese food takeout boxes to the adorable “emochis,” there’s lots to love about this lively newcomer. New to the roster is a late-night omakase tasting menu, affectionally dubbed “OmaKaze” after chef Kaze. An abbreviated version of the dinner menu, the omakase is a four-course tasting that changes daily, available after 10:00 p.m. only. Menus change nightly, but look for a fresh fish course followed by tempura, nigiri and an umami scallop donburi, for highlights. 

Drinking and Dancing at Apogee

While you’re still out late in River North, head on over to Apogee atop the Dana Hotel & Spa for a lively dance session to help burn off some of that energy. The colorful bar, renowned for its Instagram-friendly cocktails, just rolled out a new Thursday series anchored by DJ sets and dancing. Each week features a different DJ and entertainment vibe, but it’s safe to expect a steady stream of good tunes. The series runs from 9:00 p.m.until 12:00 a.m. weekly. 

 

New Brunch at Band of Bohemia

Chef Ian Davis has been racking up the accolades since he joined the team at Ravenswood’s Band of Bohemia, and now there’s even more chances to taste his efforts with the introduction of a new brunch menu. Available Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the menu features a lineup of inventive, wholly original dishes both sweet and savory, that go well beyond the call of pancake duty. These include caviar crepe cakes with smoked sturgeon and creme fraiche; chicken biscuits with housemade nori biscuits and sriracha aioli; everything bagels with cream cheese and lox; and a riff on Boston cream donuts made with chocolate stout glaze and malted filling, inspired by the beers served on tap behind the bar. 

Negroni Sunday Series at The Publican

One surefire way to ward off the Sunday scaries is with a Negroni or two. At The Publican, the bitter gin drink steps into the spotlight as part of a new weekly series courtesy of head bartender Melissa Romanos, who is teaming up with other bartenders from all over town for a rotating lineup of novel cocktails. In addition to a featured menu of Sunday Negronis, including a Publican Negroni made with honeysuckle petal-infused gin and barrel-aged sweet vermouth, the third Sunday of every month will feature a different Negroni created by a different bartender, which will then stay on the menu for the subsequent month. Through May 19, that means a mezcal-infused version from Sam Carlton at Dove’s Luncheonette.