Boka’s Latest Upscale Japanese Spot — Midōsuji 🍣

Still healing from a recent Sho visit, but my reservation at Boka’s new omakase-style spot, Midōsuji, was coming up. Went with low expectations but left pleasantly surprised. 🍣 French-inspired chawanmushi – Unlike Sho’s version, this one boldly highlights butteriness while still carrying traditional seafood notes. 🍣 Sweet-tart cherry tomatoes + plum slices – Refreshing summer bite, reminded me of Chinese-style umeboshi tomatoes. 🍣 Hamachi with peach – Peach cut through the fish’s richness perfectly. 🍣 Crab salad with melon & egg yolk crumbs – Textured and layered, not just a pile of shredded crab. 🍣 Following courses: Kanpachi sushi + tuna hand roll — more Americanized fusion style. Not bad, but felt like “Japanese-inspired” rather than full innovation. A missed-photo tempura shrimp hand roll (think Panda Express creamy walnut shrimp) — once they embraced fusion, it was delicious. 🍣 Roasted duck – Outstanding! Marinated with five-spice, no gaminess, crispy skin, tender meat — maybe even better than Boka’s own duck. 🍣 Truffle cheese risotto – Creamy, cheesy, truffle-y, with sweet corn accents — rich and satisfying. 🍣 Melon shiso shaved ice – Light and refreshing. Final chocolate custard was too sweet — a weak ending. Located in the historic Chicago Athletic Association (former Milk Room — a Prohibition-era speakeasy). Only two seatings nightly, 8 guests each — still feels secretive. Chef’s style: Japanese in form, French in spirit (opposite of NYC’s Cesar). A bit salty in spots, but overall delicious. 📍 Midōsuji 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 #SummerFoodieCat 🐱 #ChicagoLife #Chicago #ChicagoEats #ExploreChicago