From Sex in the City to the Chicago scene this month, SUSHISAMBA Rio (541 N Wells St), the restaurants fourth outpost opened with a splash. David Rockwell (Nobu, Town) has created quite a statement with this 9,000 square foot space.

ShimmerScreen was used to create intimate excitement surrounding the Sushi Bar and Mod Pit. The material is highly polished 3/8” faceted ShimmerScreen suspended from the ceiling from an oval and circle track system. It was also used to separate seating areas and complete a stairway design complementing the restaurants high-energy Carnival-in-Rio décor. The seating areas are separated by columns created out of the 3/8” faceted ShimmerScreen which also create a special effect arched over the stairway to the second floor lounge.

The Scene
Chic young Chicagoans are flocking to this energetic, clubby restaurant, whose blend of pulsing salsa rhythms and Asian influence is already a hit in New York and Miami. The cavernous room is divided into several discrete dining and drinking spaces, each with its own personality: from a sleek, circular front sushi bar to the "mod pit," a sunken red leather enclave with plum shag carpeting and surrounded by strings of glittery hanging beads. Considering the scene, service is generally smart, fast and surprisingly friendly.