Chef of popular Fort Lauderdale Asian restaurant opens first Miami spot in Edgewater
Edgewater spots like Klaw at the historic Miami Women’s Club and waterfront Amara at Paraiso just got a new neighbor that promises to bring upscale Asian cuisine to the neighborhood.
Tanka, the new restaurant in Edgewater’s Doubletree Grand, is opening just in time for Lunar New Year. It’s the latest creation of Chef Taek Lee, known as “Chef Taka,” who previously worked as executive sushi chef at Zuma in Miami and Makoto in Bal Harbour and was also executive chef at the defunct Monkitail in the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood.
Tanka is Chef Taka’s second restaurant in South Florida; first, he opened Japanese-Korean fusion spot Takato in the luxurious oceanfront Conrad hotel in Fort Lauderdale.
While Takato reflects the chef’s heritage, Tanka concentrates more on Chinese cuisine. Making the chef’s vision a reality is executive chef Davide D’Agostino, who worked at Zuma and also Etaru in Hallandale Beach.
The 6,200-square-foot restaurant has an openconcept design — this means diners can watch the kitchen — and a lounge that can seat 30 customers. The decor features authentic Chinese art.
The menu, too, keeps the emphasis on authentic, with unique twists on classics from Chef Taka. You’ll find signature dishes, such as Peking Duck served with steamed bao buns, hoisin sauce and chili oil. There’s also wagyu dim sum, duck watermelon salad and Ora King Salmon with Asian mushrooms and aged truffle soy.
Cocktails are a thing, here, too. Specialties include the Kung Pao Paloma with Szechuan honey, the Panda Colada with Chinese spices and a Hong Kong sangria that comes in flavors like lychee and sweet vermouth.
Chef Taka said in a statement that he’s looking forward to becoming part of “Miami’s thriving dining scene.”
“Our ultimate goal is to remain true to our roots and heritage, bringing authentic Asian culture to South Florida’s foodies,” he said.
TANKA
Where: Doubletree Grand, 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., Miami
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; happy hour 4-6 p.m. daily
More information: www.tankamiami.com or 305-374-8888