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Yozo Natsui is the real sushi deal.
Born and trained in the art of sushi in his native Japan, he came to South Florida more than 15 years ago to help his brother open a Japanese restaurant in Miami.
Photo by Zephyrance Lou
MiamiZine Cuisine Best Sushi
"Yozo is a very special chef," Arouh says. "He never wanted to be a big shot, he's never full of himself. I used to eat at the restaurant in Boca every day. I had a shopping center in Parkland that I was wanting to have a sushi restaurant in and I asked Yozo to become a partner."
At either restaurant, diners are impressed with both service and atmosphere. This isn't a mom and pop sushi spot. It's more like a comfortable American tavern that happens to serve the best sushi in the region. While most staff members are Thai, they know the Japanese side of the menu as well as the Thai dishes.
In Parkland, both the wine and sake menus have recently been expanded.
Yozo insists on upholding what he learned about sushi making in Japan: proper presentation, freshness and cleanliness. At the same time, he has a knack for translating the flavors of Japan for the American palate. One of his most popular rolls, for instance, is the Lobster Bomb:
No wonder his Bluefin Sushi took top the best sushi award in the latest Sun Sentinel Best of South Florida series.
"I am happy," said Natsui ... "Thank you very much."
Les Arouh, Natsui's partner in the Parkland restaurant, says their key to success is the chef's personality and prowess.
By John Tanasychuk,
Bluefin Sushi