Adventures of The Foodaholic: Brickell's Newest Sushi Hot Spot - Paperfish Brickell

Ever since traveling abroad has become so difficult, wouldn't it be nice to get in your car, drive a few miles, bypass the passport, and enter the land of sushi? Well now you can...

Grand Opening

New Tokyo-inspired Izakaya hot spot, Paperfish Sushi, recently opened their doors at 1421 S. Miami Avenue. You have to make sure to be looking in the right direction or you will miss it. And you certainly don't want to do that. Offering a modern-meets-traditional combination of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, Paperfish Sushi brings a warm, original feel to the Nikkei experience, while incorporating traditional tastes and ingredients.

The first thing you will notice are the red torii gates - symbolically marking the tradition from the mundane to the sacred. Once you walk up the steps, you will find yourself approaching the open-aired terrace, adorned with draping plants, Japanese street signs and a sea of soft-lit paper lanterns. The music and the ambiance give the place a special vibe that signal the beginning of a magical experience.

Inside, a clean palate of natural materials, wood accents and handcrafted ceramics offset the pink petals of an enchanting cherry blossom tree-lined dining room. Cherry blossoms (or sakura, as they're known in Japan) are a special flower for the people of the country, and they symbolize a time of renewal. That is exactly what we felt when we sat down and began our culinary adventure at Paperfish Sushi - a warm, social dining experience highlighting the beginning of a renewed time for everyone. At the back of the room, a large screen plays black and white images. We loved it.

Let me start with the cocktails. Sweet and refreshing, the Japanese spirits mix with tropical flavors, making each sip just as amazing as the last. You really can't go wrong with any of them. My personal favorites were the Flower Blossom and the Paper Mule but the cocktail menu is so extensive, I will need to visit several more times to really choose.

As for the food... the menu consists of a mix of small and main plates perfect for sharing. It is broken up into sections of Zensai (appetizers), Raw Bar, Salads, Sushi and Tokusen (main dishes) with daily executive lunch and Omakase tasting menus available. On our adventure, we sampled a variety of appetizers, Nigiri, and Sushi Rolls. They were outstanding. The flavor and freshness of the fish were evident in every bite, and the chef truly is a master at creating a balance of tastes in every roll. The ingredients worked so well together that we downright closed our eyes to enjoy each succulent bite. Just take a look for yourself. (If you're reading this at work, please don't drool on your keyboard.)