Pubbelly Sushi to Open First International Location in the Dominican Republic

Pubbelly Sushi, the Asian-inspired Miami Beach staple, is opening a location in a tropical tourist destination that is not South Florida: the Dominican Republic. 

It's slated to begin operation in November at Casa de Campo, a resort located in the city of La Romana, in the easternmost province of the country. This marks a new partnership between the Pubbelly Restaurant Group and the luxury resort. 

The eatery overlooks the resort's marina and aims to give guests an "edible tour of Asia" in the Caribbean. 

Jose Mendin, culinary director and founding partner of the Pubbelly Restaurant Group, says he sees a lot of potential. "This is a really good opportunity for us to explore our brand with a different clientele," he says. "It's also allowing us to do something to help revamp the resort."

Diners can expect some tweaks here and there, but the space and the menu will be very similar to those of the Miami spot.

"When you open in a different city, you have to adjust to those people," Mendin says. "I like to incorporate ingredients from the specific place."

Expect Miami favorites such as the snow crab roll, wrapped in barely-there goma soy paper and ponzu; the yellowtail roll, with green soy paper, truffled yuzu, snow crab, and nori flakes; and a medley of grilled dishes from the Japanese robata grill. Tuna pizza — featuring crisp tortilla, garlic aioli, and truffle oil — and tostones con ceviche, with hamachi ginger soy, cilantro, red onion and yuzu, are said to be on the menu too. The restaurant will draw from locally sourced seafood whenever possible.  

According to Mendin, their image of a quaint sushi tavern will be very much present at the new location, just like in Miami.

"We see Pubbelly as a very personal concept," he says, "and that is really important to our whole brand."

Pubbelly Sushi will open a second outpost stateside in the new Brickell City Centre in 2016. 

Until then, Mendin says the Pubbelly Group is taking it one step at a time. 

"Right now, were just focusing on Brickell and the resort. We don't have more plans to expand right now."

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