New NAOE?

[Nick]

Out of curiosity, I decided to check in on NAOE's website to see if they'd re-opened in their new spot. The reservations page (http://naoemiami.com/reservations_con...) says they now only seat eight people at a time, and the menu starts at $85 per person.

[taiga]

I just passed by the new Naoe. It is still not finished though there were signs of life in the reconstruction of the space. I think it will be a few more weeks.

[Frodnesor]

They're currently taking reservations for late April on OpenTable.

[taiga]

Passed by again and saw Chef Cory working inside. The paper on the windows was torn, so I got a peek. It'll be very starkly Japanese -- lot's of grays. If one can't get in, the Islander is next door and will put anything you buy into styrofoam. what a contrast. Cheap waste versus priceless minimalism.

[MRPR]

Here we go. April 17th is the opening date: http://miamirankings.com/?p=1437

[tpigeon]

Minor spelling mistake in your blog post with breathe.

[MRPR]

Thanks for spotting that. Fixed!

[Blind Mind]

Ok, I've got more info...

Construction is nearing completion and permits are up next. Reservations can be made for April on Opentable.

There will be 8 seats per seating as there has been since December 2010 (which I never realized I guess). These 8 seats will be the same as the original NAOE concept which is a winner if you ask me. The $85 is the new price for bento + 8pc nigiri-zushi + dessert, or you can pay $115 for bento + 13pc nigiri-zushi + dessert with additional rounds of nigiri-zushi at $2-$8/pc.

Within 6 months, there will be another side of the restaurant that will be opened and that will be more of a regular lunch/dinner concept for businesses and locals who will be able to walk in. Info on that is pretty vague but sounds like something that will be great for a quick sushi fix.

I can't wait to have NAOE within 10 minutes from my place instead of 45 minutes!

[lax2mia]

Great investigative reporting! Now let's think how dangerous it's gonna be for all of us to have Naoe in a more convenient location...

[Nick]

Yeah, thanks for following up with more info. I can't say that I'm happy about the location though, as I'm up in Hollywood. I'll still make the trip though.

[Blind Mind]

My assumption about the "other side" being good for a "quick sushi fix" was incorrect. There is not currently any plan to offer sushi there. Just lunch/dinner.

[Frodnesor]

I believe that information is for the old space. Although the Sunny Isles space sat 17, they would generally never do more than 8 people per seating. I also think he started doing fixed price omakase dinners (bento + sushi) at set prices shortly before they packed up for the move. Regardless, I assume all the info will be updated when the new place opens.

[Blind Mind]

No, it says that they will accept a reservation for private dining of up to 8 guests. I saw the plans awhile back before they moved. The new spot will be much larger than the old.

[Nick]

Yeah, I thought I was misreading it at first, but aside from the part about being able to reserve private parties of eight, it says "Capacity: 8 per seating," right below the seating times. To me, that sounds like the whole place could only seat eight people.

[Blind Mind]

Ahh, I see what you're talking about now. Could very well be that they will only have 8 seats for the whole bento box & sushi-till-you-tap-out deal and then seating for regular service. I'm not 100% sure but I remember talking with them and hearing about a new format. I'll try to get more info.

[Nick]

I'm wondering if the bento has the "tap-out deal" folded into the price now as well. $85 is a pretty big jump from what it was before, no?

[The Chowfather]

I think that is info for the old place.

[tpigeon]

My bills ran about $125 per person when I went to naoe in the past so 85 would be a significant drop for me.