Dining out: Roka Akor opens in Oak Brook
Roka Akor opens Friday
Japanese sushi and steakhouse Roka Akor officially opens its doors Friday, Dec. 22, in Oak Brook. The menu features Japanese and domestic Wagyu selections, including certified Kobe beef and prime American cuts grilled over the robata grill, while the sushi is crafted using fresh fish that's flown in daily. The chef plans to incorporate local ingredients into the cold and hot appetizers, nigiri, sushi and selections from the robata grill. Signature dishes include the yuzu miso marinated black cod and the beef tataki with truffle jus. For dessert, consider the chocolate cake made with a blend of three Grand Cru Valhrona chocolates and the ube pot de crème with toasted rice tuile. The drink menu features house-made shochu, a popular Japanese distilled spirit; wine; sake; and cocktails such as the Roka Fashioned made with Iwai, Angostura Bitters, Regan's Orange Bitters, swath of orange and lemon oils and Okinawa black sugar. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 to 11 p.m. daily for dinner. Happy Hour runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. daily. Roka Akor is at 166 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 634-7652 or rokaakor.com/.
Perry's Wine Thyme
There's only a limited time left in December to sip on Holiday Wine Thyme at Bar 79 in Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook. The $9 cocktail is an off-the-Bar 79 menu selection featuring Perry's private Reserve Cabernet, Hennessy VS Cognac and fresh lemon juice, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille is at 5 Oakbrook Court, Oak Brook, (630) 571-1808 or perryssteakhouse.com/menu-locations/chicago/oak-brook/.
Mimosa time
Every Saturday and Sunday, Chessie's in Barrington serves up $4 mimosas in flavors such as blue raspberry, pomegranate, pineapple, grapefruit and classic. Or unwind with a $5 Bloody Mary. Come back on Thursdays for $5 Absolut Martini Thursdays featuring classic martinis, create-your-own martini and a weekly special martini. Chessie's Restaurant is at 200 Applebee St., Barrington, (847) 382-5020 or chessies-restaurant.com/.
Ugly Sweater Party
Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook is hosting its third annual Christmas Eve Ugly Sweater Party from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24. Enjoy a French dinner in your “holiday worst” and get a $10 gift card to use on a future visit. Mon Ami Gabi is at 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 472-1900 or monamigabi.com/home/?loc=oakbrook.
Holiday brew
In time for the holidays, and to pair with its authentic German fare, Hofbräuhaus Chicago is brewing a special Dopplebock holiday beer at its on-site microbrewery. Dopplebock, a malty brew with little bitterness, is available now through January. Hofbräuhaus Chicago is at 5500 Park Place, Rosemont, (847) 671-2739 or hofbrauhauschicago.com/.