Couples no longer have to travel to Chicago to enjoy a swanky atmosphere with fancy drinks and elegant Japanese food. Shakou St. Charles is the new spot! Prices are affordable, service is great and the atmosphere is perfect for a date or a night out with the girls.

Last week I dined at Shakou St. Charles with my husband and I wanted to share my experience.

Appetizers:

• Black Sesame Encrusted Escolar Seared – topped with a tomato and avocado slice in a garlic olive oil and porizo sauce with white truffle salt. This was a dish specially prepared by the Chef and it set the mood for the whole night. Escolar is referred to as White Tuna. (Pictured to the right)
• Seven Spicy Ahi– Butter toasted sushi rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeño, citrus mayo and tobiko. I have to say this was the best dish of the night. I am pretty sure I could eat two of these every night for dinner and call it a night. (Pictured at the bottom of the post)
• Orange Duck – Crispy duck breast with sweet chili sauce, balsamic vinaigrette, Chinese broccoli and micro greens. My husband is a huge duck fan and this was one of his favorite dishes!

Sushi:

*Note we only tried the Signature Maki Rolls, they have an extensive sushi menu that every level of sushi lover will find something they enjoy.

• Shakou– Lightly battered spicy tuna, shrimp, avocado, asparagus, wasabi tobiko and spicy mayo wrapped in soy bean paper, topped with unagi sauce and wasabi mayo. I am a firm believer that when a chef/restaurant names a dish after the restaurant you have to try it and I was not disappointed.
• Sunny Hill– Crab, cucumber, avocado and spicy mayo topped with avocado, unagi sauce, wasabi sauce and sesame seeds. This was hands down my favorite roll. The sweet sauce perfectly compliments the rest of the roll.
• Urban Heat– Spicy tuna, jalapeño, spicy mayo, avocado and tempura crunch wrapped in soy bean paper, topped with unagi sauce. I am a sucker for spicy food and drinks so this was a delicious choice. 
• Gentleman– Black rice, shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, cucumber topped with super white tuna and tobiko. We had to try this roll because black rice is rarely used in the sushi rolls we normally order. Do not let the use of black rice scare you, it is a healthy addition to some of your favorite rolls.

Entree:

• Braised Short Rib– Sweet ginger soy braised short rib with sautéed vegetables with rice. As I said before every dish we sampled at Shakou was delicious but when I return I will probably order the Seven Spicy Ahi and this delicious entree that literally melted in my mouth. This is a great dish for someone who does not enjoy sushi or a sushi lover looking for a change of pace.

Dessert:

• Exotic Bamba– Mango, passion fruit and raspberry sorbetto covered with white chocolate. This dish received my husband’s vote for best dessert.
• Chocolate Truffle– Zabalone cream center surrounded by chocolate gelato and caramelized hazelnuts, topped with cocoa powder. While my husband voted for the Exotic Bomba as best dessert he always finished off the whole plate of the Chocolate Truffle.
• Mochi Ice Cream– Ice cream wrapped in soft rice cake served with Pocky. Your choice of 2 flavors: red bean, green tea, strawberry and mango. This is a traditional Japanese dessert. This dish receives my vote for best dessert and most unique. I loved the strawberry one and the green tea was delicious! (Pictured to the right)

My favorites:
Appetizer: Seven Spicy Ahi 
Sushi Roll: Sunny Hill
Entree: Braised Short Rib
Dessert: Mochi Ice Cream

My experience was just a preview of the extensive menu. Here is a link to view the menu so you can plan your next dinner date. MENU

Here is the link to the full photo album on Traveling Murphy‘s Facebook page including description.   ALBUM
Shakou St. Charles
312 W. Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois
630-444-0850
Website – Facebook Page

Check out a video of the chefs making sushi and some of the downstairs dining area. VIDEO LINK