“Chirashi Don”

Starting this Thursday, February 4, Azul at Mandarin Oriental, Miami {500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell; 305.913.8358} will be celebrating the Japanese roots of its chef, Benjamin Murray, with a new series called “Izakaya Nights.”

Every Thursday through March 31, Chef Murray will offer a special menu inspired by the shareable cuisine found at traditional Izakaya restaurants in Japan, complemented by a full selection of cocktails featuring Asian spirits and ingredients.

The weekly rotating menu will fuse Japanese fare with Murray’s contemporary techniques. Highlights include Gyoza Dumplings with short rib, miso, shrimp, scallion, and togarashi; Branzino served with kabocha squash, kalamansi, eggplant katsu, and shiso, a Japanese mint-like herb; Chirashi Don, a Japanese rice bowl served with yellowfin tuna, avocado, sushi rice, furikake, and ponzu; and Croquettes of Okinawa Sweet Potato, which are lightly fried and served with piquant “Bulldog Sauce.” A dessert sampler will include Japanese-style Cotton Cheesecake, Wolfberry Coconut Mochi, and Green Tea Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Azul’s “Izakaya Nights” menu is $55 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Includes four shareable plates plus dessert. Themed cocktails and sake pairings are available for $30 (two cocktails) or $25 for sake.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor