Do Good, Eat Sushi

Calling all sushi lovers, it's time to round up your friends and come out to support a great cause! Monday, May 25th through Sunday, May 31st, all 26 RA Sushi locations will host their largest annual fundraiser, "Nicky's Week."  The weeklong fundraiser benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Over the past 11 years, RA Sushi has raised more than $1.5 million for St. Jude's, an amazing feat considering the majority of the hospital's funding comes from individual contributions.  Patients and their families never see a bill from St. Jude's for anything- treatments, travel, housing and food are all covered- so they can focus solely on the recovery of their child.  The hospital also shares any and all breakthroughs their doctors and scientists make.  Every time a child is saved at St. Jude's, that information can be used to save thousands of other children worldwide.  

Garlic Citrus Yellowtail- Nicky's Week menu item

Nicky's Week was developed in memory of Nicholas "Nicky" Mailliard, a St. Jude patient from Scottsdale, AZ.  A nephew of one of RA Sushi's founders, Nicky lost a long battle with brain cancer when he was only 13 years old.  Since Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA Sushi associates, they initiated the fundraiser to honor his memory and raise awareness and funds for St. Jude's in the hopes to save other children who are battling diseases around the world.

So, how can you get involved?  All you have do is get a group together and head down to one of RA Sushi's Illinois locations: Chicago, Glenview, or Lombard.  Order some of Nicky's Week special menu items, including: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Sesame Garlic Chicken and Garlic Citrus Yellowtail, plus a variety of select beverages.  100% of the sales from these items will be donated to St. Jude's all week long.

Tootsy Maki- another option from the Nicky's Week menu

Go for the cause, stay for the food.  RA Sushi added nine new seasonal items to their menu available now through August.  Light and mouthwatering combinations of flavors and spirits crafted with summer in mind include appetizers such as the Red Seabream Carpaccio and Red Seabream Nigiri and entrees like the Tuna California Roll and Langostino Strawberry Salad.  Sake and cocktails come in the form of Peach Basil Sour, Hot Tropics Margarita, Pear & Lemon Blossom, Discovery Sake Flight and the TY KU Coconut Nigiri Sake.  

Red Seabream Carpaccio: finely sliced red seabreem and lemon topped with a spicy yuzu dressing, organic micro greens, truffle salt and lemon zest

RA Sushi opened its first location in Scottsdale, AZ in 1997 and has since expanded to open more locations in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, Texas and Arizona after being acquired by Benihana Inc. in 2002.  RA serves fresh, distinctive Japanese-inspired dishes and creative cocktails in an energetic atmosphere based around fun.  Just a quick visit to their site will give you a taste of what's in store when you see the quirky interactive design, make a cheeky postcard or play the Flying Sushi game.  RA has won 14 awards to date from all over the US, for various accomplishments.  One thing they all have in common is the word "best," so you won't regret your visit to RA anytime between May 25th-31st.  Experience the new menu and be sure to order some of the classic Nicky's Week items.  Knowing that you are supporting children everywhere while you savor inventive sushi and sake makes it taste even better.