SAIA and Sushi at B Ocean Fort Lauderdale

SAIA at B Ocean Fort Lauderdale

Enlarge Photo

The intimate setting is serene with silver and sea blue permeating the modern space. At SAIA, dining on an inventive sushi menu while enjoying an ocean view, is a pairing that can’t be beat. Sipping smooth handcrafted Ty Ku Sake (Junmai Ginjo Yamahai) is one of the tastiest ways to await your starter. Tamari scallops and crabmeat wrapped in paper-thin tuna with green tobiko caviar and wasabi aioli had my mouth watering for more. Next up: Housemade lobster wonton soup served with rice crackers and sesame crisps. If licking the bowl wasn’t impolite, I just might have gone for it.

Located in a prime corner spot in the new B Ocean Fort Lauderdale hotel, even if you aren’t staying the night here, you’ll feel a bit like you’re on vacation. I know I did. Cleverly named, SAIA is an acronym for Sunrise Boulevard and AIA. As I lingered over the slight heat of the “Knock out Roll” composed of cucumber, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, red bell pepper and topped with tuna, hamachi and avocado; my interest and my appetite were ready for the “Tropical Roll” layered with seared scallop, mushroom, shiso, cucumber and spicy miso topped with salmon and mango. It was so delicious — what a combination!

If sushi is not your thing (and it isn’t for everybody) SAIA has lots of other options.  Calling itself a teppanyaki restaurant, the chef uses a traditional Japanese method for cooking on an iron grill. But don't be mistaken, this is no Benihana! Don’t miss the Wagyu beef, shitake and shimiji mushrooms with schichitou peppers.

After-dinner, it’s worth ordering Yamazki 12-year-old Japanese Single Malt Whisky for the Ice Sphere presentation alone — it’s quite a show. Ultimately, an ice sphere is dramatically created with a circumference and density so that your whisky is chilled but not diluted. Taking center stage in the glass, it looks quite beautiful. Fun fact: the Japanese studied whisky making with the Scots!

Finish with the lemon grass crème brulee and promise yourself to return. The poached Thai curry lobster dish requires your presence.

Tags: B Ocean | fort lauderdale | SAIA | Sunrise Boulevard | teppanyaki | Ty Ku Sake