THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Sugo

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Sugo Restaurant Review:

Sugo, situated in the lobby of the exclusive Sanctuary Hotel, comes courtesy of Tommy Billante, the impresario responsible for the now-defunct Mezzanotte group and long-running Carpaccio as well as Villagio, Bellagio and Bella Luna. Not surprisingly, Sugo seems to run on a familiar modus operandi as in Billante's other hot spots. But that's no crime here, as the formula actually works: Pristine setting + stylish clientele supping on upscale Italian cuisine = successful South Beach scene. Not everything is a winner. Complimentary rounds of limp fried zucchini drizzled in balsamic vinegar, meant to be consumed while you peruse the menu, can be bitter, and seared tuna served over black lentils is not only an odd combination, it may be overcooked. But rich starters such as the portobello mushroom stuffed with crab meat and baked in a light cream sauce, and the oddly conceptualized but eminently likeable spaghetti Billante---with peas, rock shrimp and a curry sauce---adequately compensate. A boot-focused wine list also offers vintages from some lesser-known regions.