Speakeasy Meets Zen at Sushi by Boū

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

Sushi lovers in the Palm Beaches have never had it so good.

That's because  Sushi by Boū, with locations in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, has just opened another one in Palm Beach Gardens at PGA National Resort. The rapidly expanding chain that started in New York now numbers 16 nationally.

One of the hallmarks of  Sushi by Boū is every venue has its own unique look and feel, and the newest one at PGA National Resort is no different. "We wanted to convey a 1920s speakeasy," said Marketing and Brand Development Manager Lauren Barranco. And it certainly does that, with an infusion of Zen as well.

Located on the the resort's lower level, adjacent to the pool, guests enter into a darkened, intimate atmosphere, with a plush seating areas flanking the bar, rich color tones and elegant lighting, including a glittering "Sushi by Bou" sign behind the chefs at work.

The specialty here is "omakase," a 12-course sushi experience ($60). A Japanese phrase that literally translates to "I leave it up to you," the idea is the chef decides what to prepare, and you are free to enjoy an experience of culinary discovery.

Pam and I started our sushi adventure with one of their signature cocktails, "Gin and Flowers," an elegant presentation of gin, muddled cucumber and lime -- a perfect speakeasy drink.

---

Our sushi chef at work

The sushi counter seats 12, and for the next hour we were soon watching the two sushi chefs do their magic, using the highest quality ingredients. Among the omakase selections are Hamachi (yellowtail), Botan Ebi (spotted prawn), Ikura (salmon roe), Hotate (scallop), O-Toro (fatty tuna), Unagi (bbq eel), Signature Wagyuni (surf and turf), Gindara (miso cod), Akami (lean tuna), Sake (salmon), Maguro (chopped tuna) and Bincho (albacore).

While sushi has never been high on my food wish list, my visits to  Sushi by Boū are rapidly making me a convert. My favorites include the yellowtail, the miso cod, the albacore and somewhat surprisingly, the BBQ eel. In fact, the eel and the miso cod definitely vied for the top spot.

It's also a treat to be up close and personal with skilled chefs who talk about the food and prepare these seafood delicacies with such precision and care. In the hands of a master, sushi truly is culinary art.

For those guests seeking more adventure, you can opt for the 17-course omakase ($125).  Leaving our experience full and happy, maybe that's for next time.

Sushi by Boū at PGA National Resort is located at 400 Avenue of the Champions. Hours of operation are Tuesday–Sunday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and reservations can be made at sushibybou.com or OpenTable. ​

---

Photos by Gerry Barker, North Palm Beach Life