Steel By Jim White Like a compound of metallic alloys used to create steel, Steel, the restaurant, is a mixture of Asian influences that, when combined, produces new qualities of special value. The "Indo-Chine" menu focuses heavily on Southeast Asia, but also looks to Japan and Korea for its "alloys". They’ve done a remarkable job of forging all the constituent flavors into a very cogent style. This slick, contemporary restaurant’s nouveau industrial design is highlighted with dramatic lighting, blond woods and colorful artwork. The setting is a sensory stimulation that prepares one for the gustatory sensations that follow. Sushi is quite fresh and an ample selection of daily creations and popular standards are available. Tempura Soft-shell crab and shrimp hand rolls were highlights. Chicken spring roll—Goi Cuon Ga ($4.95) is a worthwhile appetizer suggestion. For something a bit more exotic choose Vietnamese Carpaccio ($9.95). The lime cured sliced tenderloin of beef is served rare and garnished with red onions, peanuts citrus herbs and mint. Make a meal out of one of the "Gourmet Salads". Lotus Salad ($11.95) featuring an Asian delicacy, lotus stems, is served with shrimp, cucumbers, fried shallots, cilantro and more. One of the best Fire Pot Soups we’ve ever tried is served ($11.95 or $19.95 for two). Hot, sweet and sour flavors are combined in a clay fire pot with shrimp, sea bass or both and presented to the table on a flaming burner. Savor the flavor! From the very satisfying array of Indo-Chine platters, we thoroughly enjoyed Vietnamese "Shaken" Beef ($13.95)—prime tenderloin Wok sautéed with scallions, and Chicken and Beef Pan Fried Noodles brimming with vegetables in a delightful oyster sauce ($10.95). Bento Box selections—with a choice of Miso or soup of the day—range from chicken breast Teriyaki ($9.95) to New York Strip Steak ($18.95). Most feature California rolls, egg roll, steamed rice and salad. The food was impressively prepared and presented. Service is friendly, though our server seemed inexperienced and unfamiliar with the wine list. It’s an excellent choice for a top-level business lunch…solid as steel, in fact. Steel 3102 Oak Lawn, Ste. 100 (214) 219-9908 Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com