I like the word approachable. If you look up the word in a thesaurus you will see synonyms like “friendly”, “welcoming”, “pleasant”, “cordial” and “inviting.” These are also words I feel each time I walk into Sunda in Chicago.

Part of Rockit Ranch Productions, Sunda is a superstar when it comes to showcasing both Eastern Asian and Southeast Asian regional cuisine. Executive Chef Jess DeGuzman has found a way to balance making dishes delicious and “approachable” for those of us trying new foods.

Chef Jess….come check out his Paella at the first Paella Cook-off on June 23 at Mercat a la Planxa.
Chef Jess….come check out his Paella at the first Paella Cook-off on June 23 at Mercat a la Planxa.

It is this balance of an “approachable” menu and welcoming atmosphere that makes Sunda a great venue for a private event such as a bridal shower, wedding or corporate event.

I had the pleasure this week of hanging out for a few hours in Sunda’s 2nd floor private party space. It was a such neat space. Technically it was one big room that could be divided into 2 sound proofed rooms. It was large enough to host 100 guests for a seated meal or 150 folks for a reception with passed appetizers and food stations.

This is one option of how to set up the room that I found online.
This is one option of how to set up the room that I found online.

I was sincerely impressed with the Raw Bar and the ice sculpture holding all of the succulent oysters, tasty shrimp and scrumptious crab claws. It was a beautiful display…that tasted good too!

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The steamed buns (or bao buns) were also a wonderful treat. We were offered 3 different fillings (roasted shitake, adobo braised pork belly, Chinese style roasted duck) and a plethora of condiments. The fillings were awesome and I was a huge fan of the pickled veggies and kimchi. I also need to add that these were the lightest buns I’ve ever had!

I like steamed buns and I cannot lie...
I like steamed buns and I cannot lie…
Would you like mushroom, duck or pork? YES!!!!
Would you like mushroom, duck or pork? YES!!!!

And if you are a fan of pork, you HAVE to try the Kamayan Roasted Pig. It is a roasted piggy that is deboned from head to tail and STUFFED with longaniza (Filipino sausage), Hawaiian bread, onions, papaya and pork belly. It was out of this world. If the pilgrims had known about this kind of stuffing, Thanksgiving would be a whole different holiday.

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A night at Sunda would not be complete without one or two (or six or seven) lumpia (shrimp/crispy pork Shanghai style eggrolls), sushi and some Tuna Poke.  (I am in LOVE with the poke….great combination of flavors!)

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And if you need one more bite…Sunda’s dessert display had enough to please everyone in the crowd. (Pie on a stick…need I say more!!!???)

Apple or Cherry Pie…on a stick.
Apple or Cherry Pie…on a stick.
Satisfying every Cookie Monster in your life.
Satisfying every Cookie Monster in your life.

Sunda is always in celebration mode and would welcome your inquiries for all of their venue accommodations.

The best part of the night for me was that this approachable, intimate setting allowed me to make a couple of new foodie friends. There is nothing better than sitting and chatting with new people about food…while you eat food…and attack the guy who is carrying the food.

Leslie and Jamie…we need to have a lunch or dinner outing while Jamie is off for the summer!!!
Leslie and Jamie…we need to have a lunch or dinner outing while Jamie is off for the summer!!!

I hope some of my reader’s can use Sunda (or any of the Rockit Ranch Venues) for their future escapades. And if you do, don’t forget to invite ME!!!!

Thank you Sunda for the great night…and to my Hubby for the great pictures.
Thank you Sunda for the great night…and to my Hubby for the great pictures.