Q&A: The Royal Arrival of Queen Omakase

 

Miami Beach, FL – April 18, 2023 -Nestled on the second floor of Queen in Miami Beach, an eight-seat private dining room of Queen Omakase offers an exclusive culinary adventure. This hidden gem boasts an exquisite multi-course menu, curated by chef Max Kamakura, infusing a passion for the art of Japanese cuisine. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the freshest ingredients, blending traditional flavors with innovative techniques to create a truly unique dining experience.

With a history of marrying opulence and extravagance, Mathieu Massa of Mr. Hospitality has taken the Paris Theater to a new level of contemporary, high-end nightlife and fine dining. From a 1970’s glass-blown chandelier, to Calcutta onyx-adorned omakase bar, the space is just as indulgent and engaging as the craft of sushi making itself.

World Red Eye sat down with Mathieu and Chef Max Kamakura to discuss the inspiration behind Queen’s omakase menu and vision. Visit the link in our bio for a full feature and Q&A with the visionaries behind this immersive experience.

WRE: Give us a brief history of Queen, where did it start and what led to its creation?

Mathieu Massa: Our aim was to introduce a new era of opulence and indulgence within Miami Beach, and the Paris Theater presented the perfect opportunity to establish just that. By merging refined hospitality with contemporary, high-end nightlife experiences, we are redefining poshness in a way that Miami has never seen before, ushering in a new era of extravagant fine dining with Queen Miami Beach. 

WRE: The building Queen is in is so unique, how did you land on the Paris Theater as the ideal place to host this dream restaurant?

MM: Having been involved in Miami’s hospitality industry for more than 15 years and observing the city’s rapid expansion, I recognized an opportunity with the iconic Paris Theater to establish an exclusive and unparalleled destination for fine dining and nightlife. The goal was to design an environment that evokes a sense of nostalgia, decadence, grandeur, and exclusivity. The Paris Theater perfectly embodied all these qualities, making it the ideal home for Queen.

The intimate haven of glamour and inimitable exclusivity creates a connection between the guests and the chef, providing a unique opportunity to witness the craft

Chef Max Kamakura

WRE: How has Queen’s history of opulence and theatricality been incorporated into the new omakase menu?

Chef Max Kamakura: In a space that peers into Queen’s universe below from her own personal porthole, Queen Omakase seamlessly incorporates the theatricality downstairs with an added sense of elegance that can be seen in the immaculately designed black Calacatta onyx-adorned omakase bar surrounded by custom-made Bamboo Forest wallpaper, and 1970s glass-blown Murano chandelier, while the multi-course omakase journey takes guests on a gastronomic exploration of timeless Japanese traditions. Like a performance at Queen, what you see once, you might not see again (on the Omakase menu).

WRE: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind Queen’s omakase menu and what sets it apart from others on Miami Beach?

MK: Queen Omakase embodies a fresh level of refinement and an exceptional gastronomical journey, that is exclusive to Queen Miami Beach. We are passionate about sharing the artistry of traditional Japanese cuisine with our guests, and we believe that our commitment to authenticity and excellence is what truly sets us apart from others on the beach, from our premium selection of quality ingredients to the unique techniques utilized by Chef Max Kamakura.

WRE: What role does the dining atmosphere and design play in enhancing the omakase experience at Queen? 

MM: Queen Omakase’s atmosphere was intentionally designed with the goal of transporting guests into an entirely different world within Queen’s Restaurant and Lounge, while creating a setting that complements and elevates the guest’s culinary journey. The intimate haven of glamour and inimitable exclusivity creates a connection between the guests and the chef, providing a unique opportunity to witness the craft of sushi-making and the unique attention to detail that goes into the presentation of each dish up close. The atmosphere and design within Queen Omakase work in harmony to create an immersive dining experience that engages all the senses and leaves a lasting impression on our guests.

WRE: How does Queen’s omakase menu align with its larger mission of creating a high-energy dining destination with world-class cuisine, art, fashion, and nightlife entertainment?

MM: Helmed by Chef Max Kamakura, Queen Omakase’s menu will take guests on a multi-course journey through timeless Japanese traditions magnified through Chef’s distinctive modernist approach. Offering an added sense of mystery and ever-evolving excitement, a new chef’s selection menu will be introduced every three weeks.

WRE: Can you highlight any standout dishes or ingredients on the omakase menu that guests should be sure to try?

MM: Guests can look forward to a premium selection of delicately composed nigiri and specialty Japanese dishes, prepared using ingredients from Japan and all around the globe. One of my favorites is the A5 Wagyu Tartar. This Japanese beef is lightly smoked and served with miso potato pave and a generous bite of caviar, it is divine!

Queen Omakase embodies a fresh level of refinement and an exceptional gastronomical journey

Mathieu Massa

WRE: Are there any plans for beverage pairings for the Omakase menu? If so tell us a bit about what guests can look forward to.

MM: We have world class selection of Sake and Japanese Whiskey. Our Sommeliers will be on hand to assist with helping guests select the the perfect pairing to harmonize your Omakase experience.

WRE: And finally, can you give us a sense of the overall value and price point for the new omakase menu debuting at Queen?

MM: Queen Omakase is an indulgent speakeasy-style omakase experience that will cost $275 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Guests pay directly when booking on OpenTable.