Sushi Maki to unveil a sushi menu rich with South Florida’s bounty of seafood, produce and local brews
Austin Chef Philip Speer and Sushi Maki continue their culinary collaboration
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Sushi Maki (sushimaki.com) commemorates 15 years as one of the leading home grown brands Thursday by celebrating the produce and seafood synonymous with South Florida.
Under the leadership of founder and CEO Abe Ng, and in collaboration with guest Chef Philip Speer, Sushi Maki will unveil a series of menu changes that reflect a deeper commitment to sustainable seafood and a focus on in-season, fresh-farm produce.
“Our featured menu items will be lighter and brighter in flavors with more use of vegetables and fruits paired with our best-in-class seafood,†says Ng. “Our customers will see simple plate presentations accented with clean and crisp sauces and garnishes.â€
Sushi Maki expanded its partnership with South Florida fishermen, brewers and farmers, culling only the best for its menu of freshly prepared and artfully plated Japanese fare. The new menu will feature fresh yellowtail snapper, Florida lobster, Florida avocados along with in-season fruits and vegetables from Homestead farms and brews from Daughters Brewing Co., Islamorada Beer Company and Gravity Brew Labs.
“We’ve added yellowtail snapper and cobia, which you won’t find on many sushi bar menus,†says Ng.  “Plus, we’ve been serving avocados grown in farms in Homestead about eight months out of the year. We believe strongly in taking full advantage of the rich bounty we have here in Florida.â€Â
Sushi Maki’s refined menu evolved out of an emerging friendship and collaboration with Chef Speer, widely known in culinary circles for his work at Uchi in Austin, Texas. Chef Speer teamed up with the Sushi Maki culinary team to develop a summer menu pairing local seafood and citrus. Creations such as Japanese Street Corn, Lychee Grape Tiradito and Cobia Chirashi were customer favorites that are now part of the Sushi Maki menu.
“Chef Speer’s individual journey of renewal, health and wellness aligns perfectly with the positive vibes/ healthier lives we celebrate here at Sushi Maki,†Ng said.
Sushi Maki will introduce its new menu at its five full-service restaurants starting Oct. 5. The Coral Gables-based-chain plans to release the new items at its locations in Whole Foods Markets, sports arenas and other locations by spring 2016.Â
“We’re so fortunate to have a variety of places in town to share the goodness of sushi. We’re excited to be able to imagine and creative incredible recipes, and share them with so many people through new and unexpected places,†says Ng.
Despite the menu changes, Sushi Maki will keep many of the favorites customers have grown to love like the ceviche bowls introduced earlier this year, traditional rolls and sashimi.
“And if customers don’t see a favorite on the new menu, all they have to do is ask for it,†says Ng.
About Sushi Maki
Founded in 2000, Sushi Maki is South Florida’s award-winning leader in Japanese cuisine, offering premium-quality fare and relaxed dining atmospheres in South Miami, Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, Brickell, Kendall and Miami International Airport, as well as delivery, online ordering and diverse catering options. Sushi stations, kiosks and storefronts can be found in Whole Foods Markets, the University of Miami and Florida International University. Passionate about providing the freshest and finest-quality sushi, Sushi Maki maintains uncompromising standards while putting a modern spin on the traditional sushi experience. Always environmentally aware, Sushi Maki was the first sushi chain in the United States to earn Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, sourcing seafood from sustainable fisheries and promoting responsible ecological harvesting habits.
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