About Nakama

News - NightWire Magazine Review

NAKAMA – Circle of Friends & Then Some!

We arrived at Nakama on a Wednesday night thinking the restaurant would be a little less busy, however, it seems that Nakama is always busy, even more so on the weekends. I suggest that you make a reservation! The bar is very friendly & they make fabulous drinks! I'll explain why this place is always so busy - Patrons of Nakama are going crazy for an easily accessed authentic Japanese Steakhouse……it's right on the South Side, 1611 East Carson to be exact, Valet Parking, Specialty Martini's, Sushi, Great Atmosphere, Friendly Servers & Creative Chefs, plus prime quality, fresh food prepared right in front of you. We sampled almost everything on the menu so let me begin at the beginning- Vince Cortazzo, the General Manager sent each member in our party of 5 a different martini. We felt so special because they had light up ice cubes highlighting the cool colors- Citrostini, Wild Orchid, Sexpotini, Nakama Cosmo and an Appletini. After sampling all five, it was a very difficult decision however; I liked the Citrostini the best. Light up ice cubes can be purchased for any drink for $4; they really added sparkle to our sizzling experience. By now, you know that the editors at Nightwire are big fans of specialty martinis- Nakama certainly has some of the best. Try one at Happy Hour which runs daily with appetizer specials from 5 until 7pm!

Next, we were served scrumptious appetizers - the Lettuce Wrap ($6.99), this is a definite must try, everyone in our party absolutely loved the unusual texture of chicken, water chestnuts and walnuts in a tangy teriyaki sauce. We were also treated to the Ahi Tuna ($7.99) which was perfectly melt in your mouth prepared. We're already making excuses to go back & have these for lunch! As the food editor, I have to tell you that I ate the most Sushi & Sashimi, which was awesome, since others in our party were not sushi eaters, however, everyone did try it and actually everyone agreed, it was excellent. So dare to experience it, you'll thank me for it! Luckily for Becky & Steve, random Nakama guests, who were seated at our table, they got to try almost everything that we were served. It was nice to have someone not associated with Nightwire giving us feedback, Nakama is a great place to meet new people and make some new friends. The Sashimi platter ($8.99) was Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail & Snapper, yes, all are raw and very delicious. If you've never had what everyone thinks of as Sushi (raw fish), you should ask you server for assistance when ordering- it's definitely not what you think. The Sushi California Roll ($5.25), Spicy California Roll ($6) and Tuna Roll ($6) were served plated with a special sauce and looked as good as they tasted! Even the Wasabi was pressed into a decorative shape. If you don't know the proper way to eat sushi- take a small piece of wasabi and place it into the small square dish you are given at the table, next put some soy with it & mix for a great dipping sauce. Sushi purists will not like this, but I find it easier that doing it separate. The pickled ginger on your plate is a palate cleanser- I don't like it, never have and have absolutely no suggestions about eating it. I used my martini as a palate cleanser! Thank you very much.

Following the appetizers, Sushi & Sashimi, we were tempted with Lobster, Filet Mignon, Scallops (the biggest I've ever seen!), Shrimp and Tuna. Everything was prepared on the hibachi grill right in front of us. Vince explained that he wanted us to all have a full taste of the menu at Nakama. We sure did & were happy to have table guests, Becky & Steve, to not only put up with us, but to share in all of the delights we were served. The portions are rather large and you'll definitely want to pace yourself as the food flies off of the grill pretty quickly. You are served two sauces- one for meat & one for seafood; don't miss trying both- even if you have to sneak a bite of your tablemate's entrée. With a dizzying array of food flying off of the hibachi…..Lobster, Filet Mignon, Tuna, Scallops and Shrimp, oh my! Everything was delicious and absolutely heavenly. We were in Nakama bliss! If you're tempted to try this style of dining- do yourself a favor & peruse the full menu on the Nakama website- www.eatatnakama.com - You'll also find a newsletter, and coupon for a free appetizer plus information on their VIP repeat rewards program.

I'm feeling compelled to wrap-up this review highly recommending Nakama…..the atmosphere is electric, a perfect place for a special night out or dinner with a date, or just because you're hungry. You'll meet lovely people, eat fabulous healthy food prepared by friendly entertaining chefs and discover why the meaning of Nakama is truly a “circle of friends”. Don't forget to make a reservation & tell ‘em your friends at Nightwire sent you!!

Tell us why you should be in Nightwire's Circle of Friends & we might invite you to join us on our next dining review!! Send comments and feedback to dining@nightwire.net


News - NightWire Magazine Review NAKAMA – Circle of Friends & Then Some! We arrived at Nakama on a Wednesday night thinking the restaurant would be a little less busy, however, it seems that Nakama is always busy, even more so on the weekends. I suggest that you make a reservation! The bar is very friendly & they make fabulous drinks! I'll explain why this place is always so busy - Patrons of Nakama are going crazy for an easily accessed authentic Japanese Steakhouse……it's right on the South Side, 1611 East Carson to be exact, Valet Parking, Specialty Martini's, Sushi, Great Atmosphere, Friendly Servers & Creative Chefs, plus prime quality, fresh food prepared right in front of you. We sampled almost everything on the menu so let me begin at the beginning- Vince Cortazzo, the General Manager sent each member in our party of 5 a different martini. We felt so special because they had light up ice cubes highlighting the cool colors- Citrostini, Wild Orchid, Sexpotini, Nakama Cosmo and an Appletini. After sampling all five, it was a very difficult decision however; I liked the Citrostini the best. Light up ice cubes can be purchased for any drink for $4; they really added sparkle to our sizzling experience. By now, you know that the editors at Nightwire are big fans of specialty martinis- Nakama certainly has some of the best. Try one at Happy Hour which runs daily with appetizer specials from 5 until 7pm! Next, we were served scrumptious appetizers - the Lettuce Wrap ($6.99), this is a definite must try, everyone in our party absolutely loved the unusual texture of chicken, water chestnuts and walnuts in a tangy teriyaki sauce. We were also treated to the Ahi Tuna ($7.99) which was perfectly melt in your mouth prepared. We're already making excuses to go back & have these for lunch! As the food editor, I have to tell you that I ate the most Sushi & Sashimi, which was awesome, since others in our party were not sushi eaters, however, everyone did try it and actually everyone agreed, it was excellent. So dare to experience it, you'll thank me for it! Luckily for Becky & Steve, random Nakama guests, who were seated at our table, they got to try almost everything that we were served. It was nice to have someone not associated with Nightwire giving us feedback, Nakama is a great place to meet new people and make some new friends. The Sashimi platter ($8.99) was Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail & Snapper, yes, all are raw and very delicious. If you've never had what everyone thinks of as Sushi (raw fish), you should ask you server for assistance when ordering- it's definitely not what you think. The Sushi California Roll ($5.25), Spicy California Roll ($6) and Tuna Roll ($6) were served plated with a special sauce and looked as good as they tasted! Even the Wasabi was pressed into a decorative shape. If you don't know the proper way to eat sushi- take a small piece of wasabi and place it into the small square dish you are given at the table, next put some soy with it & mix for a great dipping sauce. Sushi purists will not like this, but I find it easier that doing it separate. The pickled ginger on your plate is a palate cleanser- I don't like it, never have and have absolutely no suggestions about eating it. I used my martini as a palate cleanser! Thank you very much. Following the appetizers, Sushi & Sashimi, we were tempted with Lobster, Filet Mignon, Scallops (the biggest I've ever seen!), Shrimp and Tuna. Everything was prepared on the hibachi grill right in front of us. Vince explained that he wanted us to all have a full taste of the menu at Nakama. We sure did & were happy to have table guests, Becky & Steve, to not only put up with us, but to share in all of the delights we were served. The portions are rather large and you'll definitely want to pace yourself as the food flies off of the grill pretty quickly. You are served two sauces- one for meat & one for seafood; don't miss trying both- even if you have to sneak a bite of your tablemate's entrée. With a dizzying array of food flying off of the hibachi…..Lobster, Filet Mignon, Tuna, Scallops and Shrimp, oh my! Everything was delicious and absolutely heavenly. We were in Nakama bliss! If you're tempted to try this style of dining- do yourself a favor & peruse the full menu on the Nakama website- www.eatatnakama.com - You'll also find a newsletter, and coupon for a free appetizer plus information on their VIP repeat rewards program. I'm feeling compelled to wrap-up this review highly recommending Nakama…..the atmosphere is electric, a perfect place for a special night out or dinner with a date, or just because you're hungry. You'll meet lovely people, eat fabulous healthy food prepared by friendly entertaining chefs and discover why the meaning of Nakama is truly a “circle of friends”. Don't forget to make a reservation & tell ‘em your friends at Nightwire sent you!! Tell us why you should be in Nightwire's Circle of Friends & we might invite you to join us on our next dining review!! Send comments and feedback to dining@nightwire.net	Awards News Contact Us Photo Gallery