After an anticipated opening to the public in late January, B Ocean Fort Lauderdale today announced a March 11 opening for its signature restaurant, SAIA. Led by Director Robert Sabin, General Manager Tanya Bishop and Executive Chef Subin Chenkorsorn, SAIA – named for its distinctive location on the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and A1A – will feature entrees shared communal style, a Teppanyaki grill, an open-air kitchen, sushi, sake, signature cocktails and more. Located at B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, the flagship property of the new upper-upscale B Hotels and Resorts™ brand, SAIA will open as the only sushi restaurant on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
SAIA is designed to create a harmonious experience of the senses in a ‘modish’ Southeast Asian style. Entering the restaurant, which boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale Beach, guests will be transported to the markets of Thailand with aromas of the spice trade permeating from the restaurant’s Teppanyaki grill. Diverse seating options add to the restaurant’s approachability, with innovative high-top seating ideal for small groups, which can be combined for a more communal feel. Traditional seating can also be found, as can seating at the sushi bar.
SAIA guests will enjoy the restaurant’s open-air performance kitchen, set against a backdrop of rhythmic music. Stylish bartenders will prepare cocktails infused with premium spirits and fresh ingredients, as part of a unique beverage program. The program encompasses ten signature drinks, a Scorpion Bowl serving three to four guests, a sculpted Ice Sphere for after-dinner drinks including Japanese Single Malt Whisky, infused Soju with four different in-house flavors and a full sake list.
SAIA menu highlights include:
- Fire Dragon Roll ($18) – Shrimp tempura, avocado, snow crab topped with spicy tuna, masago
- Ocean Blue Roll ($14) – Eel, avocado, boursin cheese, crab stick, tempura fried
- Tuna, Salmon and White Fish Uzuzukuri ($16) – Paper thin sliced fish, served with minced garlic tangy ponzu, scallion and arugula
Bringing an array of unique experiences to the SAIA kitchen, Chef Subin most recently served as assistant Sushi Chef at The Delano Hotel on South Beach. Previous positions – including Lead Sushi Chef at the Lowes Hotel South Beach, Cook aboard Royal Caribbean International’s fleet and Market Cook in Thailand – have instilled in Chef Subin a distinctive global flair. His culinary inspirations come naturally from his exposure to Thai street market food in early years, as well as from his extensive travels throughout Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.
Joining Chef Subin at SAIA’s helm will be General Manager Tanya Bishop. Bishop brings vast experience in overseeing award-winning restaurants, including openings located at W Hotel locations in South Beach, New York City and Puerto Rico. Notably, Bishop led the team at Solera – a Spanish tapas restaurant in Minneapolis – to top rankings globally, including a prestigious James Beard win.
Bishop and Chef Subin will report to Director Robert Sabin. A 19-year industry veteran, Sabin has worked alongside visionaries like Alain Ducasse and Jean-Georges Vonrichten. With a James Beard Nomination for “Nation’s Best New Restaurant” and an award for “Best Hotel Bar in America” by Nightclub and Bar Magazine, Sabin most recently served as Director of Food & Beverage at the W Hotel in Washington, D.C., where he led a $22M annual operation. Other previous experience includes working as Director of Food & Beverage for St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. and Assistant Director of Food & Beverage for the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida.
In addition to SAIA, B Ocean Fort Lauderdale features additional food and beverage outlets, including Quench Pool Bar and B’stro on the Beach™. The latter, a casual eatery option, is open for “Grab-n-go” with options of coffee, fresh pastries and gourmet chopped salads and sandwiches throughout the day, evolving into a wine, small plate and dinner restaurant/lounge in the evening.
“Robert, Tanya and Chef Subin are a powerful trifecta with a shared passion for approachable, yet modern, cuisine and service,” said Christopher Tompkins, corporate vice president and brand marketing executive for B Hotels & Resorts™. “The synergy between SAIA and the B Hotels & Resorts brand is sure to create unforgettable experiences for local residents and world travelers alike.”
SAIA is open for dinner Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For reservations, call 954-302-5252. To visit B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, log onto www.BOCEANFORTLAUDERDALE.COM or call 888-66-BHOTEL.