Winters in Chicago can be cold and a bit gloomy. That’s why, when summer comes around, we celebrate. We dine al fresco whenever we can; we enjoy the season and appreciate its pleasures. One of WCG’s favorite places to do this is RA Sushi, a stylish and contemporary eatery with outdoor patios in three Chicagoland locations. And now that we’re deep into the heart of our city’s most festive season, RA has introduced some new items sure to enhance your outdoor experience.

In keeping with its modish and innovative vibe, RA recently added a touch of Asian/Latin American fusion to its revamped menu. One of the new items is RA Chips & Salsa, a mix of tuna tartare, cucumber, avocado and fresh salsa served with wonton chips. The creation offers a unique taste experience that’s perfect for dining on the patio--cool and crisp with Asian flavors presented in a familiarly Latin way. Also on the menu is Kaisen Ceviche, a Japanese-style seafood dish featuring scallops, shrimp and squid combined with fresh tomato, avocado and salsa, all served in a spring roll shell and served chilled. Ceviche may be a Latin dish, but RA has given it a whole new twist and a zest that’s too big to be contained indoors. One of our newest favorites is the Hot Mess, perfectly prepared crispy rice balls topped with a spicy king crab mix, baked and finished with jalapeno and cilantro.

Other new dishes abound. Grilled Short Ribs, marinated and grilled Kalbi beef short ribs in a sweet and tangy yakiniku sauce served with wasabi mashed potatoes, is sure to please even sushi-wary guests. Spicy Rice Krispy Treats are soy paper hand rolls filled with crispy rice balls, spicy tuna mix, cucumber, avocado, lettuce and sautéed nuts. In the entrée section of the menu, guests will now find Pork Katsu, a breaded pork concoction served on wasabi mashed potatoes with colesaw and an Asian barbecue dipping sauce. And there’s even a new sushi roll, dubbed the “RA”llipop, with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna mix, lettuce, asparagus and cucumber, wrapped in lobok (an Asian radish) and skewered in a garlic ponzu sauce. RA has also introduced its own version of tapas; these sashimi small plates include sweet onion salmon, sesame lemon whitefish, garlic citrus yellowtail, crispy onion albacore and seared tuna. New lunch specials include the pork katsu bento box, chicken teriyaki bowl and beef teriyaki bowl.

Since RA serves up a fine drink, the addition of bold new cocktails with authentic Japanese ingredients to the menu is a welcome development. Try the Shiso Naughy martini, a blend of Skyy Infusions Pineapple vodka and X-Rated Liqueur with yuzu and Japanese shiso. Also on the list are the Bangin’ Blueberry Mojito, the Strawberry Gingerita and the Strawberry Soju Sunrise, three fresh and fruity concoctions that will add spice to any outdoor gathering.

For fans of sake, RA is an excellent place to indulge. The restaurant boasts an extensive store of sake varietals, including two new ones: Hakutsuru Sayuri “Little Lily” Junmai Nigori and Tozai “Living Jewel” Junmai. For nice-weather get-togethers, sake connoisseurs might want to partake of the Sake Sangria, a cool and breezy blend of fresh fruits, cordials and red or white wine.

Looking for a great deal? RA’s Happy Hour fits the bill with select appetizers and sushi (including some personal favorites) at half price Mondays through Saturdays from 3-7 p.m. On Sunday, you’ll find a reverse Happy Hour with half- priced appetizer and sushi specials from 8-11 p.m. Drink specials take place all day every day with prices ranging from $2 - $6.

www.rasushi.com

2601 Aviator Lane, at Glen Town Center, Glenview
847-510-1100

310 Yorktown Center, Lombard
630-627-6800

1139 N. State, Chicago
312-274-0011

--Helen A. Lee