Miami Beach, FL – March 4, 2019 – For the first time ever, popular New York City concept, Sushi by Bou is opening its first location outside of Manhattan – this time, hidden in Gianni’s Suite in the famed Versace Mansion, The Villa Casa Casuarina. The exclusive sushi bar has three unique locations to date in New York, (reservations sold out in less than an hour for their recent opening), and they are now bringing its experiential omakase to South Beach. Sushi by Bou, led by head Chef David Bouhadana, is the brainchild of Michael Sinensky and Erika London of Simple Venue, a hospitality company which focuses on finding underutilized spaces within existing hotels and quickly transforming them into unique experiential concepts.

After taking an obligatory photo on the infamous steps of the mansion, the dining experience begins as soon as guests enter The Villa, as they “check-in” with the front desk attendant in the lobby who hands over a key card and escorts them to Sushi by Bou, Gianni’s Suite. The key card is used to enter the 500 square-foot suite which has been transformed into a four-seat sushi bar with a modern neoclassic style that honors the mansion’s existing architecture and original design while giving it an updated look complete with a warm and intimate lounge area with emerald couches near the fireplace. At the sushi counter, guests enjoy an energetic 60-minute omakase experience for $125 inclusive of tax and gratuity. Over the course of the hour, guests will enjoy nigiri sushi – ranging from smoked lean tuna to ikura to uni sea urchin and fatty tuna to Hokkaido scallop topped with lightly smoked charcoal salt.

In place of a typical hotel mini bar, the suite is equipped with a self-service sake vending machine where guests can select three sakes for $30. Sake is served in a variety of handmade Edo Kiriko glassware; guests have the option to add a sake pairing. Hand-crafted cocktails are prepared in the 25-seat breezy bar lounge overlooking Ocean Drive, where guests are encouraged to enjoy drinks before or after their dining experience. Reservations must be made online and paid at the time of booking. Seats are released one month in advance.

World Red Eye meet up with nightlife and hospitality mogul Bill Spector, partner of Sushi by Bou and Michael Sinensky to get an exclusive look at the space, menu, and cocktails.

WRE: How did Sushi by Bou get its start?

MS: Chef David Bouhadana approached long time customers and owners of Simple Venue, myself, and Erika London, to create a concept that featured his fast-casual timed sushi omakase. Erika and I’s expertise paired with David’s amazing sushi with Japanese- inspired craft cocktails in an intimate speakeasy setting.

WRE: What does Omakase mean and what can diners expect from this multi-course tasting dinner?

MS: Omakase means “trust me”. Diners can expect the chef and mixologist to guide them through an amazing culinary experience. With the exception of certain food allergies, the chef curates and sources your menu weeks in advance. You can expect a Blue Fin Tuna flight, a $100 per pound seared Wagyu topped with delicious Hokkaido Uni, the freshest fish from the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, and great Japanese-inspired cocktails, Japanese whiskeys, and sake to be paired with the experience.

WRE: You used to live in Miami, moved away for a little, and now you’re back how did you partner with Bou?

BS: I was looking at new project in Miami and the deal didn’t happen. Michael Sinesky, an old friend showed me his newest project Sushi By Bou at The Villa Casa Casuarina. I immediately fell in love with the concept and the space, I knew I had to be a part of it.

WRE: Why does the Versace Mansion and Sushi By Bou go hand in hand?

BS: The Versace Mansion now known as The Villa Casa Casuarina, is such an iconic historical space – we knew it was the perfect location.

WRE: Do you have a favorite item on the menu? What do you like the most about the omakase experience?

BS: I’m fully blown away by the whole course presentation, I can’t say one dish is my favorite. I love it all from the plating, quality, and even down to the simplicity of the rice.

WRE: How did you get connected to Miami and why did you chose the Versace Mansion for the first location outside of New York? 

MS: The owners of the Mansion grew up with me in Rockaway, Queens. When they ate at my restaurants and experienced the unique omakase combined with amazing cocktails in a speakeasy vibe, they immediately offered to bring this experience to their South Beach jewel. As far as the location, why wouldn’t we choose the Versace Mansion? We can’t think of a better location, it’s the perfect fit.

WRE: How does this Sushi by Bou experience differ from the New York location?

MS: The Sushi by Bou experience in a hotel room suite features a 60-minute, 17-course omakase for $125. Sushi by Bou Suite 1001 in Hotel 3232 in New York is the world’s first restaurant in a hotel room. Sushi by Bou Gianni’s Suite is the second and is located within Gianni Versace’s old master bedroom suite. The Versace Mansion is one of the world’s most famous residences. The combination of the location and our 17-course omakase allows our guests to enjoy one of the world’s most unique foodie experiences.

WRE: How does this omakase experience differ from other omakase destinations?

MS: Based on the number of courses, the quality and sourcing of the fish, the expertise of the chef and the location, this meal should be $250 to $300 per person. However, our motto is “Sushi for the People” and we don’t want to make this experience people can only enjoy once a year or once a lifetime. With our experience being timed we are able to seat more people to ensure sustainability with our business. However, we encourage our guests to arrive early and stay late in our lounge making the experience well over the hour that is advertised. Some of our guests don’t want to leave and check-in to the hotel after!

I’m fully blown away by the whole course presentation, I can’t say one dish is my favorite. I love it all from the plating, quality, and even down to the simplicity of the rice.

Bill Spector

WRE: Tell us about the sake bar? What types of sake are offered on the menu?

MS: We have a self-pouring sake machine that we call “Mr. Sake.” For $30, guests receive three sakes which range from smooth and fruity to bold and earthy.

WRE: How was the cocktail program designed?

MS: The cocktail program takes classic cocktails that are guests are familiar with and gives them a Japanese twist by using unique spirits and ingredients such as yuzu, shiso, and ginger. All of the cocktails pair nicely with the fish and are made to further enhance the dining experience.