Grille One Nine Serves Sushi with Style

If you have an explosive love for sushi, a serving of Volcano Roll stuffed with Baked Dynamite might satisfy your cravings.

It's just one of the offerings available at Grille One Nine, which serves Japanese, steak and seafood dishes.

The restaurant opened in Holiday on March 18, in a location where Mr. Wok, Popeyes Chicken and Chinese Vietnamese Sunrise restaurants had all closed.

Owner Sean Nguyen, a native of Vietnam, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Health Service Adminstration.  He had worked off and on in his sisters' sushi restaurant in Tampa over the years.

Finally, this year, he decided to follow his dream and open up his own place. His family had owned the Chinese Vietnamese Sunrise restaurant and was getting ready to close it down. He felt this was his chance. He made the deal for the restaurant. 

Nguyen says his philosophy is simple:

“My restaurant is spotless clean and the food presentation is magnificent. Our prices are affordable for every budget.” 

The restaurant decor is modern in style. A very attractive sushi bar, designer chairs and nicely decorated tables set the tone. The dining room has a more sophisticated look and does not resemble the traditional Asian restaurant.

“We did a complete restaurant makeover,” Nguyen said.  “We have created a family environment with a nice upscale vibe.”

Chef Nicki Amorfino, under the direction of Nguyen, has created an exciting menu. Dishes such as  the Tempura Japanese Bagel, Kamikaze Eel, Japanese Caterpillar, and Hawaii Five-O resemble sushi sculptures.

“I am allowed to let my creativity flow,” Amorfino said. “We all love to work here because of that.”

Nguyen is very proud of his sushi but points out that his entrees are unique as well.

“We create sauces here that are better than any Asian restaurant in the area," he said. "Our steaks are infused with flavor, and our seafood, salads, stir fry, and desserts, are second to none.”   

Customer Patrick Bene got directly to the point. “Lunch here is great!” he said. “The spicy tuna was excellent. I have eaten dinner here four times, and every time the food is fantastic.”

Grille One Nine offers Sushi Happy Hour, Monday thru Friday from 5-7 p.m. Customers may order entire sushi rolls for $3 each. In addition, from 8 p.m. to close all appetizers are ½ price, and selected beers and Japanese Saki are $2 per glass. Customers may also visit Restaurant.Com and purchase discount coupons for Grill One Nine.

Grille One Nine is located at 3516 US HWY 19 in Holiday. Visit it on the web at: http://www.grille-onenine.com.

*Story updated at 3:21 p.m. August 2. The correct spelling of the business name is Grille One Nine. A previous version of the story read otherwise.