By: Daniel Finch
Nestled in the heart of downtown Hollywood lies the latest installment of Sokai, a popular and chic Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant. While new on the scene, a recent Friday night saw a full house, with every table sat more than once, and an evident to-go business with orders coming in and out almost constantly. Owned and operated by Venezuelan-born Jesus Leon and Jesus Meneses, Sokai offers a variety of options in a chic environment.
The menus are available either on a QR code that is nicely built into the table or on hard copies for those who prefer paper menus. Their offerings are extensive, so it is easy to find something for everyone. Starting with a variety of appetizers, the Sushi Pizza is especially delicious. A salad of salmon, tuna, and crab tossed in spicy mayo sits on top of crispy white rice and is drizzled with eel sauce. The pizza has a wonderful depth of texture, as you crunch through the different layers, simultaneously being hit with the mayo’s spice and the eel sauce’s sweetness. The can’t-miss appetizer and the pride of the restaurant is the Hamachi Crudo. Thin slices of Hamachi leche de tigre de jalapeno (which is a lightly spicy citrus sauce made from the juice of ceviche) are served with avocado and a delicious micro green salad. Crispy quinoa is mixed with the salad to give the dish a unique crunch not often associated with a crudo dish. This balanced fusion dish perfectly illustrates the bridge between Peruvian and Japanese cuisine.
There are seemingly endless options for entrees, from hot items to specialty rolls to traditional rolls; there’s a little something for everyone. The Rockstar roll was a particular standout once again pairing different textures and flavors to create a culinary delight. With tuna, salmon and cream cheese, topped with crispy tempura, each bite was an experience. Each element was added in delicate proportions so that each piece was exceptionally balanced as it went through the roll. Not to be missed are their “Healthy Options” which are sushi rolls wrapped in fresh vegetables. The Naruto roll with salmon, tuna, trout caviar, yuzu and ginger wrapped in cucumber was fresh and delicious. Each bite had a delightful crunch, belying the freshness of the produce. The little bite of ginger was wonderful.
To wash all of this delicious food down, Sokai offers an extensive and innovative cocktail list, including their famous Sangria served with a frozen fresh fruit popsicle, perfect for refreshment and a quick Instagram picture. They also provide typical Japanese beer offerings chilled cold and in a deliciously frosted glass. Unfortunately, after all the delicious food, there was no room for their famous dessert roll made with Nutella, strawberry, and banana, but hey, there’s always next time.
The restaurant’s history is based on the art of the fusion restaurant. Their ever-evolving, extensive menu boasts over 100 options in all of its variety of food and drinks. All of their menu items are sourced from quality seasonal ingredients year-round. It’s a great meeting venue with your family, friends, or colleagues. Sokai is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience by serving the finest Japanese delicacies in Florida. They have everything from traditional Japanese sashimi and sushi to sumptuous signature rolls and other popular delicacies that fuse together their unique artistry that combines a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese influences.
Whether in Hollywood or any of their other locations, stop in at a Sokai for a truly unique experience–from the “Cherry Blossoms” that adorned the interior to the unique and eye-catching offerings Sokai doesn’t fail to produce.
For more information, visit their website at https://sokaisushi.com.
Published by: Khy Talara
