OPENINGS

Finally, Fuku

After months of waiting (and a brief tizzy over its possibly naughty name), upscale Asian eatery Fuku has finally revealed what’s been hiding behind the “opening soon” signs that have long covered windows on the eastern end of Clematis Street.

The official opening was last week, but a friends-and-family soft opening days earlier revealed that on the walls and on the plate, Fuku was worth the wait.

Fuku shines with an inventive, exhaustive menu fusing Asian flavors with sometimes unlikely influences — behold sushi chef Josh Lyons’ Philadelphia Roll, with steak, shallots and a touch of Cheez Whiz for authenticity. Or the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Cake Onigiri, providing the perfect bite of silky fish and crispy rice.

The huge cocktail menu puts a creative, Asian spin on the classics — our favorite is the rum/gin/vodka punch of the Bubble Tokyo Tea that does, indeed, include those yummy pearls, this time made of Midori.

Enjoy your culinary bounty in the dazzling red and gold dining room accented with a large gold Buddah, or upstairs in the chill white lounge. The place looks as good as the food tastes… and that’s very, very good.

Fuku: 215 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach; (561) 659-FUKU (3858); FukuRestaurant.com

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PUB GRUB

The Four Seasons’ short rib fondue

There are many heavenly bites at The Bar, the stylish watering hole inside the Four Seasons Resort on Palm Beach. There’s the cobia ceviche and the red wine-braised mushrooms topped with a delicious poached egg.

But the best bite we’ve had with our cocktails is the short rib fondue ($12), which encompasses several of nature’s most perfect foods, including tender, tender short ribs, cheese and crispy toast points. Your crock pot will be jealous. You just don’t have to tell it. But make sure you wipe the rich sauce off your face first.

The info: The Bar, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, 2800 South Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach; (561) 582-2800.