Thursday, 03.19.09
FIRST LOOK
Asian fusion with go-go dancers

These Kobe-Beef Pot Stickers with Mirin Shoyu are
served at Hot Tuna.

Hot Tuna aims to unite sexy rock 'n' roll cabaret with upscale Asian fusion cuisine. The futuristic red and black dining room is bisected by a long black granite bar with a retractable screen that pulls back every half hour to reveal the Hot Tuna dancers (many of whom double as servers). Clad in thigh-high boots and mini-skirts, they perform to rock classics from Aerosmith to AC/DC. Then it's back to dining.
The lengthy and rather pricey menu (starters $10-$25, sushi rolls $12-$18, mains $20-$30) leans toward the Japanese. Start off with a pair of yakitori beef skewers, some shiitake and asparagus tempura and a smoked salmon and avocado roll with honey miso dipping sauce.
The white miso-brushed sea bass entree is a hefty hunk of buttery fish served with shimeji mushrooms, while the aged filet mignon is served sizzling hot on a mini-hibachi grill.
Desserts -- coconut terrine, chocolate fondue with mini-banana cakes and strawberries -- depart from the Asian theme but are in keeping with the sensuous atmosphere.
-- SARA LISS
Place: Hot Tuna.
Address: 764 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.
Contact: 305-455-0341.
Hours: 7 p.m.- midnight daily.