CheekyChicago

You can’t miss the big bowl. It’s larger than life and it’s red. It decorates the doorway of Asian fusion eatery Big Bowl, which you also don’t want to miss.

Big Bowl has something for everyone – carnivores, sea-foodies, vegetarians, and the some-who-like-it-hots. Its menu carries the classic “American Chinese” dishes, like fried rice, beef and broccoli, and Kung Pao chicken, but Big Bowl also has some wonderfully original entrees, like sweet ginger sea scallops and shrimp and a stir-fry bar, where you can whip up a personalized platter.

We went with two entrees: Kung Pao tofu and spinach and scallop and shrimp citrus curry. The tofu and spinach came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. Stir-fried with wide, flat wheat noodles, roasted peanuts, blackened chilis and a dark, sweet, spicy sauce, the crisp spinach leaves added a much-appreciated burst of green to the dish. Our curry, with fresh water chestnuts, kaffir lime, corn and red bell peppers, was packed with flavor (and spice!). Experienced eaters may be wary of Big Bowl’s status as a big, bad chain restaurant, but the food here is tasty, fresh, and beautifully presented. Our calamari appetizer (brilliantly prepared in sweet potato flour batter) was even plated with a too-cute mini takeout container.

Now, I usually get full before dessert. I know – tragedy. I have to warn you not to do this at Big Bowl. That would be a tragedy. We couldn’t decide what to order for dessert, and that became a blessing in disguise. A chocolatey, coconut ice creamy, crème bruleed disguise. Big Bowl’s brownie arrived with the aforementioned coconut ice cream, chocolate sauce and caramel, along with a ginger crème brulee. But while you’re munching on Asian fusion, you must try the green tea ice cream mochi bites. “Mochi of the Moment” is one of the only desserts that Big Bowl does not make in-house. Instead, Big Bowl orders them from a Hawaii-based ice cream company and, quite frankly, I don’t mind. Mochi is a sticky, glutinous rice paste. Paired with ice cream, it makes a sweet, gluttonous snack. Order just one – or a trio.

Big Bowl’s ambience is casual, comfortable, and fun. Whether catching a quick lunch or having a drink after work – it’s a great place to come with friends or with the kids. It can get busy (and a little bit slow), but don’t fret. That’s more time to enjoy your mochi ice cream.