Now and Zen
Japanese Tacos and Sushi in Brickell

The World Cup. Turtle’s new love interest. The midday nap.

When you get down to it, there are few things that haven’t benefited from a jolt of Latin-ness.

And now, you can add to that list: Japanese pub food.

Introducing Zen Sushi Lounge, your new spot in Brickell for sake-soaked feasts with a kick of Latin spice, now open.

If a chic and minimal Tokyo sushi den ever got down and dirty with a sexy tapas joint in Rio, you’d end up with something like this. You’ll want to start at the small lounge in the front, where you’ll shrug off your workday stress with a Sapporo or two and a few Jicama Tacos stuffed with crab and ponzu sauce.

If you’re here with a date (it’s a fine fourth or fifth date spot), you’ll want to claim one of the high-top tables by the sushi bar and order up some East-meets-Southwest curios like Japanese Tostones (spicy tuna and guacamole on fried plantains).

Then, when you’re ready to go for broke, you’ll tell your server to bring out the big gun, the Matador Roll, a culture-fusing marriage of crab, cream cheese, avocado, mushrooms and roasted jalapeño peppers.

Always order anything with “matador” in the title.