DINING OUT
A boom in Asian restaurants brings
new options to the ‘Burg
38 StPeteLifeMag.com November/December 2018
PHOTOS FROM ST. PETERSBURG FOODIES
Back in April, 23 Restaurant Services, while in town for their
buildout of Ford’s Garage and Yeoman’s Cask & Ale, stumbled upon
Souzou Asian Kitchen and bought it. Now Saké 23, the restaurant
attention to food quality and new emphasis on a variety of elevated
dishes.
Menu categories include: Sushi, Sashimi, Bento Boxes, Soups,
Dinner Plates. Some of the Souzou favorites, like the Category 5
(one of our favorites), and even the Souzou Roll were kept on the
High Roller
menu. Past Souzou regulars will be happy about this. There are now
six ramen options instead of just the one previously available.
his own business, and the sous chef, “T” stepped up and was given
the opportunity to take over and create two of his own rolls, The
23 Dragons and the High Roller. It’s nice to see that Jessi Rogers,
who has been there since day one, is still there, and is now the
general manager. Saké23, 435 Fifth Avenue N. behind Iberia Bank, St.
Petersburg (727) 823-4050, sake23.com
Asian Fare With Flair
Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi is a fast-casual Pan-Asian restaurant
in the base of the Camden Pier District apartment building,
formerly AER. The downtown St. Pete location is the tenth
location for the local Florida chain that originated in Gainesville.
Its rapid growth is a sign of the times for those who love fastcasual
dining. The concept features a vast, customizable menu
including sushi, rice and noodle bowls, bento boxes, poké bowls
and boba teas, all served up in a cool, modern environment. With
constantly-growing “on the go” population. Customer favorites
include Pao Pao (Spicy Cream) Chicken, Build-A-Poké Bowls, Pad
Thai Shrimp, the Volcano Roll and Taro Boba Tea.
Plenty of parking is available in the Camden Pier retail parking
garage on Second Street South, behind Bento. Restaurant guests
who park in this garage will receive one hour of free parking.
Validation is provided with the purchase of any roll, bowl, or box
upon customer request. Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi,
320 3rd Street S., St. Petersburg, (727) 317-5533; eatatbento.com
/sake23.com
/eatatbento.com