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Alex Chen of Shinto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is Alex Chen's first restaurant endeavor in the Chicagoland area. However, cooking is a skill Alex has grown up with as his parents have been involved in the restaurant industry for many years.

Although his past experiences have been with Chinese cuisine, Alex recognized his job offer with Shinto to be a wonderful opportunity to grow and expand his area of expertise.

Now the Head Chef, Alex works with a team of hibachi cooks and other talented chefs to prepare a wide variety of Japanese-inspired entrees and desserts.

"My favorite menu item to cook is the Chateaubriand," says Alex. This center-cut filet mignon is made with Midwestern 28-day aged beef and topped with Shinto's homemade savory herb garlic butter.

Visitors to the restaurant have the option to dine in the hibachi-free section (for sushi) or at tables with their own individual hibachi grills.

The hibachi meal is a four-course dinner that includes soup, salad, a side, and your option of white or brown rice in addition to the hibachi entrée. At lunch, Shinto offers smaller portions for a quick, but still top-notch experience in hibachi dining.

"For our hibachi grilling, our scallops are by far the most popular item on the menu," says Alex. "We use U-10 grade scallops which are large, naturally sweet and very juicy and then we lightly caramelize them on the hibachi grill."

As the only Zagat-rated Japanese steakhouse in the Naperville area, Shinto is home to DuPage County's first Smokeless Hibachi technology. This new, environmentally-friendly technology saves 40 percent on energy and guests don't have to leave smelling like their food!

While also well-known in town for their delicious Sushi, Alex says the most popular sushi roll is the "Lil" Delicious roll. This is an award-winning roll with spicy tuna, avocado, crab, cream cheese and tempura batter topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo.

Although a daily challenge, Alex works to make value an important part of the "Shinto Experience." He and the entire staff work together to make sure all guests are welcomed with warm hospitality and treated to the highest-quality service, food and drink. - Megan Baumgartner

Shinto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
1778 N. Aurora Road, Suite #108 • Naperville
(630) 637-8899 • www.shintoexperience.com