TOTT: Sushi Served Up In An Unlikely Spot
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Get your motor running and welcome to Sushi Garage-- a new, traditional Japanese restaurant located in Sunset Harbor, South Beach's booming new foodie neighborhood.
Chef and co-owner Sunny Oh has that spot and Juvia on Lincoln Road. He saw the space where the eatery is now located and knew he had a hidden gem in the making.
"It was a garage. The first time I even walked into this building there was a car on a lift. It was an automotive shop and that car was stuck. We like to do things slowly and patiently. We don't use not too much PR. We want people to find us and understand what we are trying to do," said Chef Sunny.
What they're trying to do is show locals their concept - honoring authentic Japanese dishes with a twist, in a setting as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palette.
"We like the idea of having great food in a nice atmosphere. It's hard to find all three where service food and decor come together without it being very overpriced," said Chef Sunny.
From the handmade iron origami style flying fish overhead to the fresh herbs which blend in with the décor. Sushi Garage has personality and style.
CBS4's Lisa Petrillo put the chopsticks to work, trying a few dishes from the new spot.
Chef Sunny made Petrillo the first dish: Torro, or tuna bell. The fish is flown in from Japan ice-cold to preserve the high-fat content. The chef later adds his specially made chili paste and micro greens.
"Chef talked about fatines of the fish. The Torro melts in your mouth. The chili gives it an extra kick, not too much but you know it's there," said Petrrillo.
Next on the menu was a Chef Sunny favorite: King Crab Nom Bon.
"The king crab is from Alaska and cooks in butter and then we lightly fry it. The sauce is Adashi," Chef Sunny said.
"When I've had king crab before it's chewy. This is not chewy. There's a crunch from the tempura and the sauce has a softness to it and there's a flavor to this king crab that will just grab you," said Petrillo.
For the final dish, Petrillo tried The Stone Pot Rice Bowl. It's made with beef, baby zucchini, baby onions, baby carrots and mushrooms. It cooks in the bowl.
"The tenderloin is so tender and delicious and the rice has a crunch. The other pieces have softness. This could be a meal in a bowl. It's special," said Petrillo.
Sushi Garage is now open and revved up to make its mark on Miami Beach. It's open 7 days a week, dinner only. Click here for more info.
CBS4's Lisa Petrillo would love to hear from you. Please send us a suggestion for your #HiddenGems spot at tasteofthetown@cbs.com. You can also contact Lisa through Twitter or Facebook.
