Miami Beach, FL – September 22-23, 2014 – Known around the world as the Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto has had a career that many chefs could only dream of. His seamless integration of Western and Japanese ingredients has effectively created his own, unique cuisine — one defined by innovation and inspiration. After successfully opening up various restaurants around the country, Morimoto has finally decided to take his talents to South Beach. Nuzzled inside the Shelborne Wyndham Grand, Morimoto South Beach is the latest restaurant to hit this foodie haven. Aside from having an over-the-top menu baring only the freshest ingredients, this new hotspot also boasts dramatic, sultry décor that truly captures the essence of South Beach.

Before this week’s exclusive preview dinners, we were able to catch up with Morimoto himself and hear about everything from why he chose this spot as his latest venture to what he would choose for his last meal.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto

I love the people who live and vacation here and wanted to become a part of it all.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto

WRE: What drew you to South Beach to open your latest restaurant endeavor?

MM: It has a great atmosphere that is different from other cities in the US. I love the people who live and vacation here and wanted to become a part of it all. Morimoto South Beach is definitely a dream come true.

WRE: Your other restaurants tend to have themes of nature, what is the theme of this South Beach location and what inspired the concept?

MM: As in all of my restaurants, the design is unique to the location. Morimoto South Beach is filled with warm lighting and mirrors, reminiscent of the warm South Florida sunshine. It has a special indoor/outdoor feeling. Sitting outside you can see the pool and look out towards the beach. The setting is elegant, but with an exciting South Beach vibe. We also have a live DJ most nights of the week.

WRE: Does the South Beach location menu differ from your other restaurants? What are some must-try dishes?

MM: Yes, the menu features dishes signature to Miami’s tropical location. New dishes for South Beach include Ceviche prepared with a mix of local seafood, tomatoes, yuzo kosho oil and aji amarillo; Seafood Cocotte with lobster, prawns, scallops, clams, mussels, king oyster mushrooms, baby bok choy and red miso broth; and Clear Gazpacho served with wasabi that is freshly grated table side. There is also an exciting dessert menu made by my executive pastry chef, Manabu Inoue. Everyone will want to try his Fiery Salty Caramel Chocolate Tart and other creative and delicious desserts.

WRE: Who is someone you look up to for inspiration in the culinary world?

MM: There are so many amazing people in our world, so to limit it to one person is next to impossible. I really pull from within, to remain progressive and free thinking.

WRE: Out of all your phenomenal creations, what is your favorite dish to make?

MM: I always say asking me to choose my favorite dish is like asking someone to choose their favorite child… you can’t chose just one. Each and every one of the dishes I’ve created is special to me. However, if I had to choose a favorite dish to “make,” it is definitely sushi.

WRE: If you had to choose a last meal to have, what would it be?

MM: My last meal would have to be the freshest tuna sashimi, white rice that is freshly-milled before cooking, miso soup using the highest quality bonito dashi, and home-made pickles.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto

I really pull from within, to remain progressive and free thinking.

Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Lee Schrager, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, & Evan Benn

Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Lee Schrager & Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Lisa Hochstein & Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Lenny Hochstein & Lisa Hochstein

Lauren Nepo & Brooke David

Diane & Alan Lieberman

Kiki Barth, Ben Rozansky, Michael Goldberg, Rebekah Keida, Russell Galbut, Jerry Libbin, Aliya Azamatova, & Zachary Scott

Michael Goldberg, Rebekah Keida, Jerry Libbin, Kiki Barth, & Ben Roszansky

Michael Goldberg, Jared Galbut, Mark Stone, & Jerry Libbin

Evan Benn & Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Belkys Nerey & Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Jose Patino, Carla Torres, Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Giovanny Gutierrez, & Lauren Bernat

Jessica & Nathan Lieberman

Jake Waxenberg, Rachel Krupa, & Jared Shapiro

Manny Machado, Luis Rigual, Chef Masaharu Marimoto, & Ray de Leon

Norma Becker & Mark Stone

Christian Acosta, Johnny Sky, & Chef Masaharu Morimoto

Aliya Azamatova, Rebekah Keida, Masaharu Morimoto, & Kiki Barth

Kiki Barth, Zachary Scott, & Aliya Azamatova

Alan Roth & Barclay Gang

Sara Liss & Hadley Henriette

Aaron Resnick & Angela Santamaria

Evan Kaye, Regina Sil, & JC Carey

Nayira Castellanos & Christian Acosta

George & Suejelle Castellanos

Jason Ostrow & Jamie Mark