As you walk through the doors of Sushi Ai, prepare yourself for a sensory experience. This Palatine restaurant gets everything right, down to the minor details — including the little tablets that your server tosses into a bowl of hot water that magically turn into steaming hand towels to begin your meal.

The ambient music in the background calms your weary mind as you sip jasmine tea. This high-class sushi restaurant is very modern, decorated with big, black candlelit tables and booths and striking red walls. While prices can be steep, the flavors and choices are diverse and rich. Signature Maki rolls range from $14-$18 and regular rolls range from $5-$11. Try the tantalizing Salmon Obsession roll, which consists of lightly battered spicy salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, avocado and crabmeat, topped with fresh salmon and orange tobiko, and drizzled with chili sauce ($16). Rainbow Dragon ($16) is another enticing option with lightly battered spicy tuna and cream cheese with cucumber, avocado and crabmeat, topped with assorted fish fillets and citrus tobiko, and drizzled with citrus spicy mayo sauce.

Appetizers and entrees offer many options for all cravings, including the seared tuna entree ($18), which is served with sauteed vegetables and house mashed potatoes topped with with horseradish and teriyaki sauce. Try the Puff Wrapped Ahi ($10) which offers fresh, spicy tuna, avocado, asparagus and cream cheese rolled in a fillo sheet, lightly fried, and topped with creamy wasabi mayo and sweet soy.

Don't forget dessert or drinks at Ai. They not only have an extensive martini menu as well as sake and wine. The Sushi Ai experience will leave you feeling satisfied and relaxed. It’s a sensation haven for sushi lovers.

Centerstage Reviewer: Katie Chelminski