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| Chef Saito Saito Rolls Another Winner by Ashley W. Liebke Aqua Blue, the newly arrived sushi hot spot provides the perfect see-and-be-seen atmosphere to congregate and be merry. The luscious bar and restaurant serving global cuisine has received great acclaim, thanks to a few secret weapons: ambience, style, quality and of course, Chef Saito Saito. The restaurant opened a little over a year ago in what was unbelievably a John Harvard’s Brewhouse, completely renovated into a rich space reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa. Owner and architect Tom DiGiorgio along with John Metz of Hi-Life and Chris Pyun have transformed the once-dark English pub feel of their bar and restaurant into a warm, rich retreat that is attracting clientele from all over Atlanta for their popular Tuesday and Thursday night happy hours. From 5-7 p.m., their playful and well-respected Chef Saito Saito dazzles guests with his unique, inventive sushi creations. Saito has put many happy hours and sushi bars on the map including Brookwood Grill and Nickiemotos. He has done the same for Aqua Blue. I thought complimentary food at a happy hour was all but forgotten, but fortunately the owners and management know how to keep the players in town returning week after week, month after month. On recommendation from several friends and colleagues, I gather some of my girlfriends and head OTP to check it out for myself. Our gracious server, Galina, promptly delivers our well-made martinis and a very-reasonably-priced bottle of Louis Latour Pinot Noir that proves a perfect complement to Saito’s master creations. Our favorite by far is the special preview we receive: a new roll that will debut this month consisting of a flash-fried salmon, cream cheese and asparagus served with a swirl of spicy mayo. Not surprisingly, the roll is called “Oh My God!” We understand why after taking our first bites and unanimously exclaiming its name. I also recommend the massively adorned Rainbow Roll and for those of you who like black caviar, the Kami Kazi with crabmeat and eel. Another of Saito’s blessings is his own Saito Crunch, another decadent roll flash fried with asparagus and salmon. Aqua Blue has an excellent dinner menu that should be explored and enjoyed. The ambience of Aqua Blue combines the lightness and openness of a Miami bistro with an upscale fine-dining establishment. Fine, geometric, crème glass lighting fixtures throughout the side bar complement white walls adorned with modern paintings. Another large rectangular bar provides an excellent vantage point for checking out the lovely patrons. The two dining areas are separated yet open for privacy and dining enjoyment, particularly for private parties. Dark wood tables and black-leather seating gives a rich comfort to our visit, and large circular cutouts over the bar with x-shaped shelves contain lovely vintages of favored wines. It has been awhile, perhaps since the opening of Fusebox or Bluepointe, that such a landmark venue has arrived on the scene in Atlanta. The true comfort and less-formal atmosphere make Aqua Blue a must for your next outing. Aqua Blue hosts occasional upscale events, like the charity fashion show last month by Level 7, Social Diva and Joseph and Friends Aveda Salon and Spa, which benefited the Georgia Water Protection Campaign. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. until midnight, with live Jazz on Fridays from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. On Sundays brunch is served from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Aqua Blue is located at 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell and can be reached at (770) 643-8886. |
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