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By JANE BOKUN
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 7, 2000
YBOR CITY -- Japanese sake has become a hot drink in more ways than the traditional.
The bar at Sushi on Seventh in Ybor City is packing in crowds of people who come for sake bombs, a millennium version of the shot and beer; saketinis, martinis made of vodka and sake; or just plain sake served warm in a small cup in the time-honored Japanese way.
The patrons sipping at the stainless steel bar tend to be young and dressed in the requisite designer black dresses or T-shirts.
"It's part of our whole vibe," said general manager Shawn DeVald. "We're going after the upper middle class. Our crowd goes anywhere from 25 to 40."
The dark undertones in the lighting of the restaurant mix with a touch of neon to form a mellow atmosphere for customers in search of a zen moment. Inside, there's a fully stocked sushi bar with chefs and see-through cases next to intimate table settings. The VIP lounge is up the stairs and extends toward the back of the restaurant.
The patrons don't seem to mind a wait while they sample cocktails, sushi and other Japanese fare.
There are no happy hour specials here, but Wednesday is ladies' night, with a $1 sushi menu along with $1 domestic and well drinks.
If you really like hanging out at the bar, you can get your name inscribed on a chair.
Sushi on Seventh, open for two years, is the first restaurant venture of the Tampa-based Lazzara Yacht Company, but, according to DeVald, it may not be the last.
Sushi on Seventh
1919 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; phone (813) 247-8744; open 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday.