**** (4 stars)

Poor airport restaurants! They get no love. I suppose it's because people are in a bad mood trying to catch their flight, and are bothered if it takes a few minutes to get service. But Gene's bistro is actually a pretty nice place to eat. It's light and airy, and has decent service.

The menu was very limited on the day I was there, with about half of the items not available, but I was warned in advance, and advised to have the pulled pork sandwich. This was a great recommendation. It was well stuffed, had a good bun, and a delicious barbecue sauce. In fact, I had barbecue in Chicago just the day before, and the sandwich at Gene's was much better.

Of course one can always complain about the fact that a rather meager size glass of Chardonnay costs $25, but it is an airport.

Gene’s Bistro
5770 S Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60638

https://www.yelp.com/biz/gene-s-bistro-chicago

***** (5 stars)

This is a delightful omakase experience upstairs, and a really cool space downstairs. I liked that the omakase was available with table seating, as I prefer to spend my dinner chatting with my companion rather than focused on the chef, but here you have both choices.

The omakase consisted of 13 pieces of nigiri and two maki, plus a small bite for dessert. The quality of all fish was good, although I have had better — and better compacted — rice elsewhere. Since the chef took responsibility for the saucing and wasabi, a few pieces seemed perfect, others somewhat bland. This is not the level of fish you are going to get at a place like Kyoten, but it is also about a third the price!

A wine pairing is available, but we opted for a bottle of Cremant and one of White Burgundy, and they provided perfect pairings at less cost, and allowed us to avoid wines we aren't interested in.

Service was attentive and charming.

Hinoki Sushiko
1465 W Willow St
Chicago, IL 60642

https://www.yelp.com/biz/hinoki-sushiko-chicago