Asian Avenue - Just what the doctor ordered

For anyone with an intolerance or allergy, eating out can be tricky at the best, downright dangerous at the worst. Fortunately for us, it's only tricky, but still fraught with the possibility of several days of misery if mistakes are made. Having worked in restaurants myself, I completely understand the difficulties involved in providing food to those afflicted with such problems and truly appreciate a place where staff and management is willing to take a chance and accomodate a person with an intolerance/allergy.

So, when we find a place that is not only willing to take a chance, but to read ingredients on cans/bottles/jars, clean the surfaces before making our food, alter recipes or create new dishes with "safe" ingredients. . .and do it happily, with a smile, and act as if they truly enjoy our patronage. . .we're ecstatic.

Asian Avenue is one such place. Alan, the very congenial owner and sushi chef has been in the business for a long time. Prior to opening his own restaurant, he was the consultant executive chef at Tsunami and two other sushi restuarants - one in Chicago, another in Oak Park.

Our first visit was shortly after they opened a year or so ago. Pam, Alan's extremely friendly and helpful daughter, waited on us. Alan came over, talked to us, reviewed ingredients in the kitchen, and worked to create a meal that was gluten-free. We ordered both a Thai dish and sushi that first night. Pam and Alan remembered us immediately the next time we came a few weeks later.

These days they keep our own bottle of wheat free tamari on the shelf so we don't have to carry it with us each time we come. We've even taken in our own cooking sauces which they use to make some of the Thai dishes.

We've been able to eat at only one or two of the Thai restaurants preferred here at LTH - between language barriers and the lack of safe ingredients on hand, it's not often an experience we enjoy. In addition, it truly depends on who happens to be on staff on any given visit - one time might be wonderful, another a disaster (usually meaning they can't help and we leave without eating). But, here, it always works. While it would be wonderful to eat some truly authentic Thai or Japanese food, we'll happily take good food prepared with care by a family who truly appreciates our business.

Oh, and if you are in need of wheat free tamari or gluten free sushi, just tell Alan that Steve and Ann sent you. You're welcome to use our tamari.

Asian Avenue
1624 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657