Even the most fiscally responsible brown-bag gal gets the urge every once in a while to ditch desk dining for lunch outside of the office environs. But if you're sick of the same old spots, we've got a new one to add to your list that is guaranteed to break the repetitive-restaurant routine.
Sumi Robata Grill just launched its new lunch service, available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. As the name would suggest, the Japanese-style eatery specializes in a variety of meat and veggie dishes from its robata grill, as well as small plates, like smoked kamo (a tea-smoked duck breast served with Japanese mustard and scallion) and chilled tofu with caviar and crispy ginger. But the real deal is to go with the traditional bento box option.
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For just $15, you can customize your own "box" with a choice of robata grill-prepared veggies, seafood, or protein (served with rice); miso or chicken soup; green salad with citrus dressing; and a seafood croquette. To wash it all down, there's a delicious six-hour cold brewed sencha fukamushi tea — or a variety of cocktails and Japanese beers, should happy hour come a little early. Just don't forget to stock your purse with breath mints.
Sumi Robata Bar, 702 North Wells Street (between Huron and Superior streets); 312-988-7864.
Photo: Courtesy of Galdones Photography