by CityBuzz

Click here for Video Review

The goods: In an area known for its Latin restaurants, your chances of finding a viable Asian option in Little Havana were slim, until Mr. Yum opened its doors to diners in late January. The unconventional location of this Thai/Japanese restaurant is as striking as its incomparable décor. Stark white tables juxtapose crimson walls and accents creating a sleek, Ikea-chic interior. The new resto’s dining room is typically abuzz on any given night with diners and equally boisterous trance music. Were it not for the convenience of an adjacent parking lot, you may confuse Yum’s for a hipster SoBe spot.

The grub: Most recipes come from owner Bond Trisransri’s family traditions. In lieu of bread, Mr. Yum treats diners to hangover soup – a vegetable-heavy version of the traditional miso soup served in most sushi restaurants. The soup was a Sunday staple for Trisransri after a weekend of partying. Other signature dishes include the beef masaman Curry ($13.95) and chicken pad Thai ($12.95). Sushi bar creations include the traditional dragon roll ($12.95) and the aptly named Havana roll ($9.95), made with tempura white fish, avocado, cucumbers, masago and spicy mayo. You’ll want to make sure you leave room for dessert, especially Mr. Yum’s Y-shaped Thai donuts ($4.25).

The verdict: Authentic and moderately priced Thai food with South Beach flair, not to mention exceptional service, makes a trip to Calle Ocho worth the trek.

by Miami.com

Now, Calle Ocho being Calle Ocho and Mr. Yum occupying the space of former very scary Wok n Pizza joint, I was a bit hesitant. But, as I contemplated the sign one of the servers came out and greeted us with a big smile.. so it was in we went. As we made it through the door all I could think was “wow, Dorothy, you’re not on Calle Ocho any more”. It has a modern, clean, chic decor incomparable to anything else here on Calle Ocho (I live a few blocks away, so I’ve been in or past most of the offerings).

The lunch specials were all almost uniformly $10.95… not the Calle Ocho el cheapo price-point with which we’ve been spoiled.. but, a truly bargain price in comparison to the quality of the food and service.

The service was prompt, friendly, attentive and non-intrusive. Exactly what I like.

I ordered the Panang Curry, my friend the Pad Thai (I don’t think he’s ever not ordered Pad Thai at a Thai restaurant — as long as he’s happy, right?). Within minutes were were brought a complimentary “amuse bouche” of spicy tuna on a deep fried wonton topped with a small spoonful “guacamole”. Tasty, fresh, and really lovely.

Next was the miso soup which came with our meals.. my friend dug into it and blurted out “this is really good — what type of soup is this?” When I told him it was miso soup he gave me a puzzled look — and commented that he’d never had one like it. I laughed — he’s right: it was chock full of fresh green vegetables and tofu cubes. The stock was not overly “miso-y” — but light and rich at the same time.

My Panang Curry was served in a Calabacita (small pumpkin)… and was absolutely tasty, perfectly spiced, and my new favorite Panang Curry of all the ones I’ve sampled in/around Miami. My friend pronounced the Pad Thai “exceptional” (after all, he should know — he’s eaten more Pad Thai than anyone else I’ve ever met… ). The taste he provided to me confirmed it for me.

As we were eating one of the owners came over, introduced himself, and inquired about our meal. It turns out he’s one of the sons of the family that owned Sushi Rock on South Beach and Las Olas for many years. I’m hoping that level of experience will keep them open and running smoothly with as much longevity.

My friend finished off his meal with the homemade thai donuts — served with a sweet custard dipping sauce.. I’m pretty sure he inhaled them — one minute they were there and the next he was licking his fingers and apologizing.

by Chowdown

From a Sushi Rock scion and plopped down right in Little Havana, Yum looks like a mod NYC sushi parlor (stained concrete floors, vibrant walls, orb-ish lights), but beyond raw fish the menu’s heart is Thai and Vietnamese dishes the owner’s mom used to cook up back in Bangkok. Family recipes include beef pho, pad Thai, a sweeter version of shrimp tempura, curries (red, Panang, Massaman) and other sauces (basil, ginger) over chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp, and sweet dipping-sauced Thai donuts (leaving Latin America nervously churro-ing their brow). Japanese fare includes paper-thin beef tataki, narutomaki (salmon or tuna, masago & avocado in a cucumber skin), and “layer cakes” of tuna or salmon tartare, rice, and seaweed; plus rolls like the “Mexican” (eel, avocado, cream cheese, and spices in a super-thin tortilla) and a fried white fish, avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo number dubbed the “Havana” (the restaurant version of Obama donning that suspiciously pristine Red Sox cap when campaigning in Boston).

As for thirst, Yum serves wine, beer and, soon, 200+ brands of sake, your over-consumption of which’ll knock you right back into the wonderful world of monosyllables.

by Thrillist