Beluga

If you’re looking for a local restaurant
with world-class style, there’s
no place like Beluga

JULIE FITZGERALD | CIN WEEKLY CORRESPONDENT

The bar at Hyde Park’s Beluga restaurant is a perfect place to shake off the winter blues. (Photo by Meggan Booker/CiN Weekly)

JUST THE FACTS

WHAT: Beluga

WHEN: Open 5 p.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday

WHERE: 3520 Edwards Road, Hyde Park

PRICE: Most entrees range from $16-$35.

PARKING: On-street meter parking is available.

CONTACT: (513) 533-4444

WHAT TO ORDER

SUSHI: Try Hotategai, fresh sea scallops ($5.50 for one.)

SALAD: The spring green salad ($7) includes layers of delicate Asian flavors such as sweet ginger dressing and enoki mushrooms.

APPETIZER: Try the goat cheese ($8). More Euro than Asian, warm goat cheese with tomato coulis is served with asiago bread from Panera.

SEAFOOD ENTREE: With many choices, the crab-stuffed salmon ($24) is one of Beluga’s most popular.

VEGETARIAN ENTREE: Choices are limited; try the tofu teriyaki ($15) or penne pasta ($16) with basil and mozzarella.

DESSERT: Chose from eight selections including the chocolate soufflé ($7).

VIP: To gain access behind the velvet ropes, order alcohol by the bottle (such as champagne or vodka) or by the bucket. In many New York City lounge clubs, this is customary practice because servers get too swamped.

When Mike Hama opened his Asian eatery near Hyde Park Square four years ago, he wanted to build the restaurant into one of the best lounge destinations in the city. Judging from a typical Friday-night crowd at Beluga, he's succeeded.

"The scene is cosmopolitan; it appeals to certain people," he says. "If you go to New York, L.A., Las Vegas, Miami, Toronto, Japan - at the hippest hotels and bars, this is the scene."

The contemporary atmosphere of Beluga is perfect for a nice date, drinks with business acquaintances or an evening out with friends. Soak up the bright colors, modern furnishings, ambient music and Asian cuisine of this trendy restaurant/bar.

RUNWAY AMBIANCE

Beluga recently re-opened after a 10-day renewal project in which Hama, a native of Taiwan, updated the restaurant, VIP room, upstairs bathrooms and the menu.

"I want to create something that's fresh and meaningful and make a statement," he says. "We want to be the place known for good food, good service, good cocktails - and, of course, the ambiance and the music."

With all the renovations, he's held on to two of the cornerstones of Beluga's atmosphere: Fashion Television on the flat-panel TVs and house music. "We've been using this turntable with house music, downtempo and lounge music for years now," Hama says. "It's not just a dining experience - it's entertaining."

RAZZLE-DAZZLE MARTINIS

Vibrant décor, such as the "Prada" green walls of the sushi bar or the "Sky Bar"-inspired silver beads hanging from the ceilings, create a cool place to lounge and to eat.

Start your meal with a Razzletini ($12), made with a raspberry Belgian beer and Vox vodka. The sweetest part is the garnish of a Japanese lychee (a sweet pear-like fruit). Follow it up with an appetizer of sushi, the house specialty. Not in the mood for fish? Try the tempura asparagus ($5.25) or tempura sweet potato ($4.75) - each includes five to six rolls.

EURO-ASIAN ENTREES

With the soft hum of Brazilian beats in the background, get ready for a menu of contemporary cuisine.

Our server, Allyson Harding, describes the new menu as almost "Pacific rim," with a wide selection of seafood choices. She suggested we try one of the new fish dishes, the crab stuffed salmon ($24). Placed atop the pan-roasted salmon is a savory crab "stuffing." The plate is garnished with truffle mashed potatoes for a satisfying pairing.

WHAT ELSE?

Other seafood features include the red snapper ($22) and the prawn and lobster ($26) with angel-hair pasta. Turf lovers: try the filet mignon ($26) or the porterhouse ($35.)

Vegetarian selections are limited, but the tofu teriyaki ($15) with grilled asparagus and a crisp onion petal was a flavorful choice.

From food to atmosphere, enjoy what Beluga has to offer. "You don't have to be a Harvard graduate in order to understand good music and good culture; it's your mindset," Hama says.