Sushi Mikasa: Jonathan Cheban brings Japan to South Beach

Special Pieces by Chef Kevin

Another Celebrity Restaurant? That’s probably what was going through your mind when you heard about Jonathan Cheban’s New York transplant Sushi Mikasa which recently opened at the Shelbourne.  Little did you know that Jonathan, much like myself, is a true culinarian, a devout foodie obsessed with quality and taste.  So don’t let his name or his svelte physique fool you.  Sushi Mikasa is the real deal.  A Japanese Izakaya, Chef Kevin, formerly of Sushi Seki, makes everything with precision using only the freshest quality ingredients, which are flown in daily. I had the pleasure of dining with Jonathan and having him and his partner guide me through the menu.  So many unique flavors and special pieces lingering on my palate. Master Mixologist Chris developed a drink menu that blew my mind.  House infused fruit sake, specialty cocktails including the Mikasa Su Casa: orange-infused vodka, kiwi, sparkling sake, papaya, and honey foam, and a Wasabi Martini, which I could’t stop drinking. The room is gorgeous, chic decor and the art is curated by Avant Gallery with works by Vigilante and Dain.

Wasabi Martini
Highlights included the Medium Toro and Uni with Wasabi Sauce Naruto, Salmon Seared Tomato with Chopped Fresh Onion, mayo and torched tomato. Lobster Tempura with Special BBQ Sauce, Golden Eye Snapper from Japan with Special Yuzu Sauce, Fluke with Poached Quail Egg and Truffle Oil, Chopped Tuna Intervention Roll, All Day Shrimp and Spicy Scallop Roll, and the list goes on.  All of the wasabi is grated fresh, the soy sauce is brewed in house, and the spicy mayonnaise has become an addiction of mine.  I definitely need an intervention. You have to taste it to believe it.  Sushi Mikasa is the real deal, try an Omakase when you go, everything on the menu is divine.
Jonathan Cheban and Channing Norton
Toro and Uni Naruto