 |
|
|
Japanese trained executive chef Hiroyuki “Hiro” Terada, at the helm since October 2002, strives to create something for everyone at Doraku - savory combinations of sushi, sashimi, hot entrees, delectable appetizers, and tasty rolls. With vast experience in the art of Japanese cuisine, Terada served under Master Chef Kondo at Yuzuan restaurant in Kochi, Japan, and is well-versed in the two styles that dominate Japanese cuisine – Kansai, the traditional style and Tokyo, a more contemporary style. To celebrate their fifth successful year, Terada introduced a new menu, consisting of Doraku favorites and a slew of new creations. New appetizers include a vegetarian option such as the drunken Buddha lettuce wraps – Asian vegetables marinated and sautéed in a black bean saké sauce and wrapped in crisp iceberg lettuce; the yakitori trio – chicken, beef and salmon, marinated in Okinawan miso and Hawaiian sea salt, then skewered and grilled to perfection and the seafood tempura roll – a mixture of lightly battered and fried sea bass, tuna, salmon, scallops and shrimp rolled with Asian vegetables and garnished with Japanese mayo and scallions. Entrees added include a delectable Peking crispy duck, marinated in Doraku’s own duck sauce and served with grilled Asian vegetables and divinely rich saké kasu Alaskan black cod. Favorites that still grace the tempting menu start with hot and cold appetizers ($4.95-$13.95) including, celebrated seared tuna served with a freshly-made Asian salsa containing mango, kaiware, tomato, red onion and ponzu, delicious salmon carpaccio served in a creamy ginger sauce, as well as a Double Happiness, a veggie sushi roll cut into five pieces and topped with Maine lobster, sweet shrimp, scallops, tuna and salmon. Hot items include beef maki rolled with Asian vegetables, sautéed in sake teriyaki glaze and eggplant miso – fried Asian eggplant, served with a sweet yuzu miso sauce. Salads ($6.25 - $13.95) can double as starters or entrees and traditional miso soup ($2.25) as well as an innovative mussel miso soup ($5.50) are available. Doraku serves only the freshest, top grade sushi and sashimi. More than 24 varieties of fish and seafood are available by the piece ($2.50-$7.50) and include fresh water eel, sea urchin, jumbo sweet shrimp, octopus, queen conch, tuna, salmon, grouper, mackerel, shrimp, squid, scallop, and red snapper, to name a few. Rolls and hand rolls ($4-$11.50) are comprised of selected fish or seafood rolled in Japanese sticky rice, then adorned with vegetables. Specialty rolls ($7.25-$12.50) include the crunchy Alaskan roll, Alaskan crab rolled in salmon with a black caviar topping and the dancing roll, baked seafood rolled in eel. Doraku select rolls ($6.95 – $12.95) include house favorites such as the wasabi roll – tuna, salmon, yellowtail inside, wasabi tobiko outside; Doraku roll – lobster, kanikama, and cream cheese, tempura fried and served with red and black caviar, scallion with spicy cream sauce; chef’s roll – snow crab tempura fried with avocado, red and black caviar with spicy cream sauce; Korean roll – rib eye with spicy miso sauce; to name a few. Sushi and sashimi entrees ($22.95-$51.95) include large combinations of either or both, for one person or two, artistically presented in traditional Japanese style. Entrees ($16.25-$22.75) include sea scallops, pan seared and plated with oyster sauce over Asian vegetables, Harusame noodles and basil, pan seared grouper, served with oyster sauce and Asian vegetable, seafood tempura with tentsuyu sauce, rib eye steak served with Asian vegetables in an oroshi garlic soy marinade and wasabi red potato mash and salmon teriyaki with Asian vegetables in a sake teriyaki glaze. Also available is Chilean seabass, marinated and baked in a yuzu miso sauce, served with grilled onigiri rice and bok choy, and a cornish hen, marinated in garlic, ginger and soy sauce, served with wasabi red potato mash. As an important part of the Japanese culture and heritage, Doraku celebrates the making, serving and drinking of saké by hand selecting only the finest saké available, many of which are not available elsewhere in the US. Two saké samplers, showcase three 2 oz flights of premium saké, highlighting the different types and allowing for an all-around tasting experience. They are displayed beautifully on a wooden tray in mushroom decorated saké glasses. Doraku signature fruit sakés infused with pineapple, cherry, mango and other flavors are also offered. Upon entering Doraku, a modern, peaceful aesthetic captivates the bar and lounge area, brightly colored with cobalt blue walls and a high ceiling. The glossy black bar is eye-catching as your attention is drawn toward the bottom of the bar where stunning Japanese animations are back lit for dramatic effect. The bottle area behind the bar is illuminated with glass shelves lit from beneath, and ceiling lights showcase bottles on display against a backdrop of a chartreuse and yellow. Across from the bar is a long, seated dining area, highlighting sections of tree trunks, cut into individual seats and padded with pillows for comfort. Large, chochin (paper lanterns) hang from the ceiling, next to the DJ booth, casting light onto the sky blue tile floor enhanced with mosaic chards. A natural wood floor extends throughout the remainder of the restaurant. The dining area resembles an authentic Japanese teahouse complete with textured wall coverings, made from natural woven elements. Banquettes covered with bright floral fabric, enhanced by large, soft pillows, are enclosed slightly with half curtains hanging from bamboo to create, intimate, serene spaces. Designed by New York architect Chris Smith, Doraku features artifacts from Rocky Aoki’s (Benihana’s founder) private Japanese and Asian art collection, including a wood carved sculpture of a walking villager. The sushi bar, seating five people, is located in the back of the dining area. Doraku 1104 Lincoln Road Miami Beach 305-695-8383 Monday – Thursday noon – midnight; Friday noon
– 1:00 a.m., Saturday 3:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. and Sunday 3:00 p.m.
– midnight. The bar hosts Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from |
|
 |
 |
Doraku,
a unique blend of sushi, sake and music in a traditional
Japanese teahouse setting, is nestled on the west-side of
Lincoln Road on Miami
Beach near the bustling Regal Cinemas. At Doraku, cuisine, art,
and music celebrate the rich origins of Japan with upscale
Pan-Asian cuisine,
peaceful décor, and a fully-appointed bar serving an expansive
selection of only the finest sakés available from various
regions of Japan.
Created and operated by Kevin Aoki, Doraku, meaning “Joy of”, is
synonymous with the very lifestyle of Japan, bringing good karma
to Miami
Beach. 