Shabu-shabu?

What are the options for shabu-shabu in Chicago? I searched on the internet and could only find references to Shabu-ya on Clark (although I'm thinking this place is closed) and CoCoRo on Wells. How are those places for shabu-shabu (assuming they're still around) and are there any other places that serve this Japanese dish?

I never had the shabu shabu at Cocoro despite eating there a jillion times for lunch back in dotcom River North days. It's a solid place, nice atmosphere, does standards well, so I would be surprised if their signature item wasn't quite good.

A couple of years ago, I had the sukiyaki, not the shabu-shabu, at CoCoRo/East Restaurant. While they would not oblige our request* for raw eggs to make the traditional dip for the sukiyaki, I will say that the dish was otherwise very, very good. The marbling on the beef was gorgeous and the vegetables, tofu and noodles were all pristine.

At any rate, there must be other places in the Chicagoland Area for shabu-shabu.

Good Luck,
Erik M.

* The request was made by a Japanese diner in my party nonetheless.

I did get to try Shabu-ya before it closed in Wrigleyville, and I didn't care for it. Even though I live near CoCoRo/East, I also have never ordered the Shabu-Shabu, probably because I haven't gone there with a group of people who really wanted to try it, nor have I been tempted to venture beyond the reasonably priced entrees where the marginal benefit does not outweigh the hefty price increase.

I would suggest for you to try the Chinese version of this at Lao Sze Chuan or Spring World, where I see it ordered much more often and prices are much more reasonable.

I really do wish there was a Shabu Tatsu in Chicago, a restaurant set up to handle groups of up to 10 people who all want Shabu-Shabu. Reasonable, great food, and a lot of fun.

Shabu Tatsu
1414 York Ave (at 75th)
New York, NY 10021
(212) 472-3322

I love Shabu-Tatsu! We lived on 73rd btwn 2nd and 3rd and would stroll over for a little shabu shabu or sukiyaki. Unfortunately, AFAIK, there is no restaurant in the Chicago area that specializes in this segment of Japanese cuisine. Bummer.

In addition, there are no restaurants AFAIK specializing in "country-style" Japanese food, ala Inakaya in the Roppongi (sadly the Akasaka branch closed) where chefs sit elevated 3'-4' over diners at large square tables, grilling food over charcoal and passing everything on long wooden paddles.

Looks like a trip back to NYC and Tokyo needs to be planned!

Marc