TASTE 2024 miaminewtimes.com 10 TASTE 2024 miaminewtimes.com 10 I n an art deco edifice at 12th Street and Washington Av- enue, in the heart of South Beach, stands a culinary institution: Toni’s Sushi Bar, one of the longest-lived restaurants in the area. As Toni’s approaches its 40th year, the family-owned spot stands out not only as a restau- rant but as a symbol of resilience, tradition, and community in an ever-evolving neighborhood. New Times recently caught up with Toni’s sibling owners Yoko and Kevin Takarada to reflect on the past 37 years and their recent project to infuse new life into the restaurant with a major renovation. “This new facelift is a sig- nificant chapter in Toni’s Sushi Bar’s history,” Yoko Takarada tells New Times. The decision to renovate wasn’t made lightly, but the siblings were committed to providing their loyal patrons with a fresh and inviting ambiance. Untouched for more than two decades, the interior now exhib- its a captivating transformation, thanks in part to five tons of bam- boo imported from the moun- tains of Kyoto. Craftsmen shaped the bamboo into dramatic arch- ways and structures, embodying strength, beauty, and flexibility. “Each piece of bamboo holds a story,” Yoko reflects. “In Japanese culture, bamboo embodies strength and adapt- ability. It’s a fitting metaphor for our restaurant: steadfast, yet willing to evolve.” Toni’s Sushi Bar is far more than a business venture for the Takarada siblings. It’s a labor of love inspired by their father, Hiromi “Toni” Takarada. Born in Japan, Toni moved to New York with little more than determination. His humble beginnings, washing dishes and working in a tofu factory, laid the foundation for what would one day become Toni’s Sushi Bar. After a stint in Santo Do- mingo and another in Columbus, Ohio, Toni detected untapped potential in South Beach. “My mom was devastated. They were pouring all their savings into the restaurant, opening it in a desolate area with nothing more than retirement homes. It was a big risk for the family, but they de- cided to go for it,” Yoko recounts. In 1987, Toni’s Sushi Bar opened its doors for the first time, and the fam- ily’s gamble soon paid off. As South Beach evolved around it, the restaurant played host to locals The enduring legacy of Toni’s Sushi Bar in South Beach. BY MICHELLE MUSLERA Photo by Natalie Chaban 37 Years & Counting “MR. EATS 305” M eet George Arango, founder of Mr. Eats 305 and proud Miamian. “Picking only a handful of some of my favorite hidden gems is not easy for me,” Arango says. “Before giving my list I want to list some honorable mentions: Caribbean Delite; Jamaican Kitchen; B&M Market; and Pack Supermarket. If you haven’t been there yet, I would add them to your list.” Tinta y Cafe (9840 NE Second Ave., Miami Shores): My wife says she could eat here every day for the rest of her life and be happy. Sand- wiches, salads, daily soups, plus incredible pastries and coffee — I know what she means. Babes Meat & Counter (9216 SW 156th St., Miami): If you’re a sand- wich lover, stop everything you’re doing and go to Babe’s. You will go for their cheese- burger and keep coming back for their meats and other items. Don Maguey Mexican Restaurant (4747 W. Flagler St., Miami): Finding authentic cuisine is never easy in Miami. For traditional Mexican food, my favorite is Don Maguey — they get their mole, tortillas, chocolate, and more from Oaxaca. Driving to Home- stead is no longer neces- sary once you’ve gone here. Kon Chau Chinese Restaurant (8376 SW 40th St., Miami): I love over-ordering dumplings to-go from Kon Chau and putting on a movie at home. Keg South Pinecrest (10417 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami): Like stepping into a time machine to a simpler time. The food is nothing fancy: burger, fries, some wings, and cold beer. Hard to beat this food in this atmosphere. HIDDEN GEMS Mr.Eats305 Mr.Eats305 George Arango mreats305.com mreats305.com >> p12 A selection of Toni Sushi Bar's top-of-the-line nigiri
