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Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/49177
FOOD Hungry, You SAIA? This Ft. Lauderdale find will satiate your appetite Words by Martin Haro One of the great things about living in Miami right now is the food. The Magic City is quickly going from up- and-comer to major player when it comes to restau-life, and from A to Z(uma) there's som'in' for everyone here. This —awakening, if you will, is rubbing off on Fort Lauderdale, which lured us a hot second ago to try SAIA, the really cute restaurant located inside the renovated B Ocean Fort Lauderdale. The joint gives major West Coast, in a way – and, as an East Coast snob, I mean that in the best way possible. It's simply decorated, yet elegantly so, and although you're in a hotel, the restaurant stands on its own as a drawing force with its sweeping views of the beach and the hustle and bustle of North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. Not to mention, of course, its food. The chef at SAIA – which opened its doors last spring – recently introduced several dishes that further showcase the restaurant's authentic Asian cuisine. You definitely want to take the quick drive up to the FTL to see Chef Subin work (you gotta love an open kitchen!). If you have a party of, say, two or three 80 MIAMI LIVING people, ask for a big ol' sample platter of sushi and rolls – that should make for a great appetizer and entice you with its beautiful colors (you gotta love fresh fish) and nice, clean flavors. Ooh, how could I forget…? Drinks. Before you sit down for dinner, have yourself a laugh and a chat at the bar sipping on blushing lemonades. Yeah, they sound and they look frilly, but, I promise ya, those suckers pack it. They are the perfect sunset drink, so be sure to stop by at just the right time. Enjoy. Anyway… Among the latest additions to the menu are the rice cracker tuna ($11), an expertly seared tuna-sushi roll with crushed rice crackers, tahini, and a yummylicious avocado aioli. One of items I tried and beyond-hearted, believe it or not…since SAIA's like, a sushi joint, was the plate of Mongolian barbecue lamb lollipops ($16). Alright, a quick clarification: SAIA's not a sushi joint…they serve Asian fare, so why wouldn't they tackle lamb? Duh. Anyway, the lamb was quite good. I'm a sucker for anything that's barbecued, especially because sauces usually tend to either caramelize or enhance whatever they're topping in such a rich way, y' know…. These lollipops killed it. Subin has added a few more protein- heavy dishes to his winning menu, such as a miso filet ($18), his own take on filet mignon; a $23 sharing porterhouse served with spicy-sweet chili and balsamic teriyaki dipping sauces; and the SAIA stir-fry, a $15 plate of bok choy and forest mushrooms tossed in an Asian port with your choice of either tenderloin or tofu (how cool is that?). SAIA was quite worth the trip across county lines, alright, especially because they have a dessert I don't really get to partake in all that often: mochi ice cream. Mochi is this amazing confection of pounded sticky rice with an ice cream filling. Dessert is dessert no matter how you (I!) rationalize it, but, I don't know… this tastes healthier. And it's such a treat. As soon as I saw mochi on the menu I knew this was my kinda place, so I'll soon be paying them another visit for sure. Won't you join me? SAIA is located inside the B Ocean Fort Lauderdale at 999 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. For more information and reservations, call 954-302-5252. ML