A new sushi restaurant with private dining opened in Lincoln Park last week. Here's a look at the venue's event capabilities, along with private dining info on two other sushi spots.
1. After shuttering its Armitage Avenue location, Shine Morida reopened last Friday at a different address and with a shortened name: Shine. At the new Lincoln Park location—which was once the home of Italian restaurant O'Fame—large, colorful umbrellas hang from the ceilings, and works from contemporary Asian artists spruce up the walls. Two private dining spaces can seat 20 or 30 guests; the restaurant is also available for full buyout for groups of 80. Shine owners provide speakers, a microphone, an amplifier, and a television upon request; and they will work with event planners to develop customized menus of sushi and Chinese cuisine.
2. Nestled against the Chicago River, high-end Asian restaurant Japonais has three spaces suited to private dining. To the left of the venue's entryway, the Red room and sushi bar can host seated dinners for 75 and cocktail receptions for 150; across the way, the Green room can seat 85, hold 150 for buffet dinners, or accommodate 175 for cocktails. On the lower level, a bar and lounge area opens onto a riverside patio outfitted with couches, rocking chairs and rattan furniture; the space can host buffet dinners for 125 or cocktail receptions for 175. Menu options include lobster spring rolls, sushi, and entrees such as filet mignon with white miso-truffle potato puree; the venue can also provide floral arrangements, balloons, and gift bags.
3. On a former loading dock in West Town, Thalia Spice Asian Fusion Bistro and Bar operates a bit under the radar. Dubbed the Ocean room, the main dining area houses a sushi bar and a tiled water wall, and can seat about 30 guests. To the right of the space, the Spice room seats 26 and has an elevated corner area that can hold buffet stations. Upstairs, the balcony Stardeck seats 8; the space opens into the intimate Red Lantern room, which functions as a bar area during events. At the back of the upper level, the blue-walled Fireplace room seats 28. The entire restaurant can accommodate 90 for sit-down dinners and 125 for receptions. Along with sushi, the catering menu offers Indian curries, Thai noodles, and stir-fry dishes.
