Hot Woks Cool Sushi in Chicago

I have been to Chicago twice in the past 2 years and may be going again near the end of the summer.  The first trip?  Strictly vacation.  I had a great time, the weather was brisk and I really got a feel for Chicago.  The second time was this past February to accompany my cousin to her Pharmacy School interview.  While this trip was unplanned, it could not have been more perfect!  One thing I have wanted to see in all my life was snow and this trip provided that.  Not only did I get to see and touch snow, on one of my last days, I actually got to see snow fall from the sky.  It really was a dream come true.  I’m sure I’ll post the snow pictures soon after this post.  It was pretty funny because when we checked into the hotel, I was told that it was a weird winter for Chicago and that this was the first snow they had all year!  Absolutely magical for this Hawaii girl.

Anyhow, I wanted to share some pictures from this restaurant with you.  I went to this restaurant on both trips and plan to go back if I go again!  When I look up the reviews for Hot Woks Cool Sushi, they are pretty mediocre.  This restaurant is also located right across the street from Cloud Gate so it is probably considered a tourist trap.  I don’t mind though – I’ve enjoyed both meals I had.

Tuna Avocado Salad - amazing dressing!

Tuna Avocado Salad – amazing dressing!

Caterpillar - Signature Sushi Roll

Harajuku – Signature Sushi Roll

These rolls include yellow tail, seared albacore, jalapeño, avocado, cilantro with orange and black tobikko outer covering.

These rolls include yellow tail, seared albacore, jalapeño, avocado, cilantro with orange and black tobikko outer covering.

HOT WOKS Noodles

HOT WOKS Noodles

House specialty. Stir-fry with chicken, shrimp, spinach noodles & mixed vegetables in sweet/tangy sauce. Includes jalapeno peppers.

House specialty. Stir-fry with chicken, shrimp, spinach noodles & mixed vegetables in sweet/tangy sauce. Includes jalapeno peppers.

I also appreciate this restaurant for their clean bathrooms!  After exploring Cloud Gate and the park, it’s nice to settle into a warm and cozy restaurant for some good food and a restroom break.  I think I’ve had good food for both visits, nothing to complain about.  Check them out if you are out in Chicago!

 

Japanese Udon Salad

One of my favorite go-to recipes is this Japanese Udon Salad.  I based this recipe off of a salad I tried from Your Kitchen.  Unfortunately, I think they stopped making this salad so it’s a good thing I make this myself!  It is very easy to make, here are the ingredients:

Japanese Udon Salad Toppings!

Japanese Udon Salad Toppings!

Sliced Cherry Tomatoes

Sliced Cherry Tomatoes

Japanese Cucumbers, sliced and de-seeded

Japanese Cucumbers, sliced and de-seeded

Sliced Aburage - parboiled

Sliced Aburage – parboiled

Corn - I used canned but you are more than welcome to use fresh!

Corn – I used canned but you are more than welcome to use fresh!

Wakame

Wakame

Finished Product!

Finished Product!

I buy the fresh packaged udon noodles in the refrigerator section of the asian supermarket and cook them for about 1-2 minutes and drain them.  Then I toss all the toppings and the udon noodles with a creamy sesame dressing.  I insist on using only Kewpie Sesame Dressing.  I find that they make the best dressing, they sell it in Don Quijote and Nijiya Market but is a bit pricey.  Though it does go on sale for about $4.00 at Don Quijote from time to time.  Right before serving, I add cilantro leaves to top off the salad.  It’s a small addition but makes such a great difference.  I hope you get to try this recipe and let me know what you think!  It’s perfect for the summer – cool and refreshing!

If you ever get out to Japan, I highly suggest getting the huge bottle of Kewpie Dressing!  It is so cheap and totally worth my suitcase space/weight.