SAIA is a brand new restaurant opening on Fort Lauderdale beach this Friday. It’s part of B Ocean, the newest resort to hit the scene. When I was invited to the media preview dinner that was held last night my reaction was heck yeah bring it on thank you so much, I will be happy to attend.
It’s is a beautiful modern Asian/sushi restaurant and has an open kitchen smack dab in the center of the restaurant. You would think the kitchen might be noisy, but it really fits in perfectly with the setting. The executive chef, Chef Subin, creates a great presentation that matches the atmosphere… and the food was delicious to boot. Everything I tried was at minimum “good”, some were downright delicious. Here is the barrage of photos of my favorite dishes and drinks from the night (sorry pictures are dark, I have an aversion to using a blinding flash at restaurants)…
The kitchen and sushi bar in action!
The sashimi platter has a great presentation! My favorite was the white tuna.
Lobster Wonton Soup
This was probably the best Wonton Soup I have ever had! The dumpling was filled with fresh lobster and there was even a cherry tomato in the broth. It was delicate and flavorful at the same time.
SHIROME SPICE crisp white fish, sweet chili and garlic sauce, stir fried vegetables
The fish above, Fluke (or Flounder), was one of my favorite dishes of the night. I adored the crispy crust and the combo of sweet, savory and heat.
Hello Kitty – Tyku Citrus Liquor and house made, spicy Ginger Soda
The Hello Kitty was my favorite cocktail. It was tangy and had a hint of ginger. It’s like the asian version of a (really good) Margarita.
A selection of the signature sushi rolls
All of these were very good rolls, but I have to say the one I liked the most was the one in the middle, the Fire Dragon. It had shrimp tempura, avocado, and snow crab topped with spicy tuna and masago. Another delicious one was the Ocean Blue (on the far right), one of the ingredients is Boursin cheese!
Thai Curry Lobster
Another one of my favorites…the lobster was perfectly cooked and the pineapple and curry perfectly complemented the mild sweetness of the lobster meat.
It's a sphere!
They made ice spheres at our table for the after dinner (12 year single malt) Japanese Whiskey. It’s for cooling your liquor just right without making it too watered down. Works for me!
Lemongrass Creme Brulee
The creme brulee was the best dessert IMO, I didn’t detect any lemongrass (which is 100% fine with me) but it was so creamy and had the perfect sugary crust.
Tempura Banana with Coconut Ice Cream
This dessert definitely won the competition for best presentation! The only problem was that the heat from the bananas quickly melted the ice cream.
So that’s it guys & gals…I was obscenely full but oh so happy! But I still had Top Chef to watch, so I opened my eyes Clockwork Orange style and almost made it to the end! But I got to see all the good stuff, so mission accomplished.
Comments on: "Dinner at SAIA" (12)
Oh I LOVE sushi!!!! This place looks so fantastic!! There is no sushi where I’m living right now. I think they pretend to serve it at a local Korean restaurant but…right? The desserts look sinfully delicious. Thanks for sharing! ….must figure out way to curb sushi craving now…
I need a safe introduction to sushi. I’m so worried that all the bad things I’ve heard about the taste will be true! Any suggestions for a first-timer?
Sushi is so good! It’s not just the sushi…it’s the experience that I love.
That looks so fabulous! I love sushi so much.
WOMAN! Take me with you next time you go out to eat!!! If not, can I at least get your leftovers
That was one FINE dining experience. I love how you go out to eat and do it right. The creme brulee was gorgeous. It’s my favorite dessert. Well, I have a lot of favorite desserts, but that definitely is at the top of the list!
My husband would LOVE that place. We’re coming Fort Lauderdale in the fall for a wedding, I might have to see if we can squeeze in a lunch there (since the baby doesn’t “do” dinners)
So cool that you got invited to a media event at the restaurant! All of the food looks incredible! I love the Hello Kitty cocktail! So cute!
All of this food looks seriously amazing. Sushi is my favorite dining experience. All of your selections sound like winners!
All of your food looks amazing. I am not big on sushi but I love the presentation of it all. That sphere ice is such a good idea.
I love sushi! Yum-o. Looks delish!
This is a great review! I’m adding it to my list of places to try when I’m back home. My dad has finally opened up to the idea of sushi so this sounds perfect
I love white tuna, it’s definitely one of my FAVORITES at the sushi restaurant. Oh man, I can’t wait to have sushi again…