Even if you never went there yourself, chances are good that you've at least heard of Pearl Sushi Lounge. The defunct restaurant generally was well-known among Scottsdale-ites as "that place with happy hour all day, every day" . . . which is probably the only reason people might miss the scene-over-cuisine dining spot.
Well, for better or worse, it's back. Sorta. Owners Tammy and James Carlin have reopened a new sushi concept, The Cultured Pearl Restaurant and Social Club, in the same locations and are billing the restaurant as a "completely new dining, nightlife, and entertainment destination."
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The new Cultured Pearl sushi restaurant is much larger than its predecessor and is meant to be a modern take on a classic supper club. The restaurant has taken over the adjacent space, formerly occupied by the Cream Stereo Lounge nightclub, and is now a completely remodeled 6,000-square-foot dining destination.
The new spot will offer a menu that "uses fresh, local ingredients in approachable, modern, and seasonally influenced dishes." Look for pan-Asian dishes such as beef short ribs with a BBQ hoisin glaze, pan-seared salmon with a lobster potato puree, and Chilean sea bass with rock shrimp risotto.
Cultured Pearl also will offer a list of Pearl's classic signature sushi rolls and a bar menu with sharable plates. The bar program will include beer on tap, wine, sake, and a selection of cocktails such as the Sriracha Lemon Drop and the Shiso Avocado Margarita.
And for those who just can't get enough of this new concept, there's the Social Club membership, which gives members a handful for perks, including access to a loft, complimentary valet, special discounts on dining and member only promotions, and special events throughout the year.
The Carlins' other Valley restaurants include The Cajun House, the Velvet Room, and Blue Wasabi.
The Cultured Pearl 4252 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale 480-947-3275 www.culturedpearlaz.com
4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
