Cuban-American actor William Levy is known for cha-chaing his way through a season of “Dancing With the Stars” and for his roles in dramatic telenovelas.
Now he’s brought a different kind of drama to Pembroke Pines with the debut of his first restaurant, Level29 by William Levy, on Dec. 10 inside the former Segafredo.
“Until now, this level of ambiance and vibe was lacking in Pembroke Pines. You don’t have to drive to Miami Beach or Brickell anymore,” Levy says. “It’s an extension of my back yard. Any off time is spent at my home in Southwest Ranches. I have a lot of friends in the industry who live near here and were looking for a place close to home.”
It’s probably not coincidental that the interior emulates classic Hollywood opulence with a cascading crystal chandelier, plush dark-blue chairs and black-and-white acrylic artwork of old-school celebrities painted by Levy’s cousin. Koi sculptures and electric blue-lit faux cherry blossoms lend Japanese touches. Hammered metal panels over the bar are reminiscent of koi surfacing in a pond.
“While very passionate about my Cuban heritage, I wanted to bring something completely different to the community. Upon meeting chef German Gonzales, I was impressed with the elegance and fusion of ingredients in Nikkei cuisine,” Levy says of his chef from Lima, Peru, who also co-founded O’lima Signature Cuisine in Bay Harbor Islands. “It brought back fond memories of my visits to Peru, where I fell in love with the food. Nikkei is a fusion of two of my most favorite cuisines, Japanese and Peruvian.”
Best-sellers include crab salad tostones ($12), Nippon tuna tiradito ($15), mahi-mahi ceviche ($19), chicken in spicy sauce called aji de gallina ($14), Peruvian seafood soup ($22), lomo saltado beef stir-fry ($24) and seafood chaufa Nikkei wok rice ($24).
Gonzales is immersed in fusion, passionately pulling from his stints in Japan, Hong Kong, Spain, New York, Costa Rica and Panama. “I’ve learned a lot of tricks. Eighty percent of the menu is my own creations. Sometimes I dream them,” he says. “Maybe in my past life I did something like this. To see the smiles and surprises on people’s faces is my reward.”
His Crab Level 29 ($19) feels nostalgic for Levy. “It reminds me when I lived in Cuba and used to catch crabs in the river,” he says.
Levy’s other favorites are the seafood tower ($95) and 32-ounce Wagyu tomahawk steak ($150). “It’s the most tender, delicious steak I’ve ever had and it looks cool too,” he says.
Last bites include passion fruit mousse ($9) and cuatro leches ($12).
“You can’t get flavors like this anywhere else,” says co-owner Pedro Orihuela, a Spanish native and chemical engineer who owns Casa España Tapas Y Vinos in the same plaza, the Shops at Pembroke Gardens.
An indoor-outdoor lounge bridges to a wraparound patio, ideal for sips of Love Poison with vodka, lychee and lemon juices ($14) and matcha pisco sour ($15) under oversize black umbrellas. Fans cool a covered central lounge with sofas, adorned with a striking chandelier. DJs spin after 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays while live musicians, such as a modern violinist, entertain during dinner Fridays and Saturdays.
Dinner is served daily except Mondays at 600 SW 145th Terrace, and an attached European gourmet delicatessen serves Spanish and Italian specialties and French pastries during the day. Call 954-374-8204 or visit Level29wl.com.
From Levy’s perspective, it’s not a stretch to compare show business to the restaurant business.
“They all require a lot of hard work, dedication and focus, but at the end of the day, all finish as a great time spent with friends,” he says.
Email news to susan@editorguru.com.
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