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By Jackie Sayet in First Impressions

Wed., Aug. 5 2009 @ 8:00AM

Jackie Sayet

Before...

As reported in June, owner Larry Chi was planning his flagship restaurant's first major cosmetic makeover. The result was unveiled last week, and we're pleased to report that it's the same neighborhood spot we know, and menu we've grown to love, over the past 16 years. It's just a little cooler on the inside. Actually, a lot cooler.

Note to UM students: Akashi finally got some mojo, but don't worry. It doesn't mean your wallets will lose theirs. As far as we can tell, the same great prices are sticking around, like the vintage The Depot facade. Smart move.

Follow the jump for pictures and stop by for a three-fish-fabulous Sunset Roll with extra masago or an Alex original or #2, named after a particular regular. We think a Short Order Roll could be a fun addition. What would you fill such a creation with? Let us know on the comment thread, and we may just petition for it...

Akashi
5830 S Dixie Hwy

South Miami, FL 33143-3688

(305) 665-6261

Jackie Sayet

Jackie Sayet

Jackie Sayet

Jackie Sayet

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6 comment(s) / Post a Comment

ChadC says:

What a transformation. But a small part of me is still nostalgic for the old Depot and the model train tables. I had a killer birthday dinner there one year when i was little. It was old-school South Miami style. But congrats to Akashi. Looks awesome and sushi bar is kicking with big aquarium in the back. Fresh sashimi......

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 10:30AM

Jackie Sayet says:

At least they didn't do anything to the outside :) Saves part of the memories and expenditures that customers wont have to eat in prices.

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 12:09PM

Kishi says:

What a big difference. I preferred the old look, but the food is incredible! What brand of disposable camera did you use? You should probably upgrade. The first photo came out dark. Also the second to last photo is blurry. It takes away from the transformation, and from your work. When I read a story about remodeling (that happens to include images) I feel they should do the place justice. On a more positive note…you found a nice angle to capture the last shot.

Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 6 2009 @ 10:29AM

Jackie Sayet says:

Kishi: If by "dark" you're referring to the grey wall, it is just that. Grey. One side of the restaurant is now blue, including the sushi bar, and the other, grey and red.

Jackie

Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 6 2009 @ 10:33AM

Kishi says:

I was actually referring to the “before” photo being dark. I can make out the colors on my own. The other shot I mentioned was the sushi bar which is blurry; I can’t even make out a single fish in the tank. If I hadn’t been there so many times I might not have known what it was. Hope my criticism helped you. Good luck!

Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 6 2009 @ 11:04AM

Jackie Sayet says:

Kishi: Yes, thanks for the pointers. I'm not a photographer by any sense of the word, but I will do my best to improve picture quality in the future. But I'm not going to say it isn't extremely challenging to get decent shots with my crappy digital point and shoot :(

Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 6 2009 @ 11:09AM