thanks for through response-very helpful.

Will be in Chicago for 3 days and want to know what's new on the cocktail scene. Is there anywhere doing drinks to the level of Audrey Saunders at the Pegu in NYC? Also, need a new brunch recommendation. I have been to the Bongo Room several times and find it to be ok and am looking for somewhere else. I own a wine shop in Boston and am curoius how Juicy wine bar is?

After months of anticipating its open, four of us went to dinner at Oishii on Washington Street last week. For starts, I am still trying to figure out why on earth they covered the windows with "chicken wire" like material, blocking out almost all of the light. As we waited for a table, I struggled to see the sake list as it was so dark in bar area. Too dark.

They are obviously not going for a warm, homey feel. The cement walls and floors are minimalistic, which is fine, but it creates a formal/clublike atmosphere--I felt like you had to be dressed. As for the sushi, I agree with all above, it was delicious, but at $25-$30 a roll (that's 8 pieces mind you) it better be. Overall, I am sure that I will go back, but had they stuck with the Chestnut Hill concept and prices, I would be back more often. Another South End restaurant with New York prices.