Meet the Chef: Daniel Dokko

Meet Chef Daniel Dokko. To some, he is an unassuming talent of the sushi bar J-pan. To others he is a passionate father, husband and son. To all of us, Dokko is the man that took a small space on the back side of Paradise Plaza and brought delicious sushi,  delicate Japanese cuisine, sake and a swank hip style to a place where no other restaurant could succeed. One order of Volcano Roll and you are hooked.

To Dokko, becoming a chef really hit him over the head when he was dining out with a friend and family in Brazil. At age 15 most young men when asked what they want to be doing for a living would answer with "I don't know" or "maybe a DJ". Dokko's answer- "I will be a restaurant owner." True to his drive and creativity, Dokko began his restaurant career as a dishwasher, then busboy, then server, then sushi chef, then executive chef before opening . 

"All I needed to see was that beautiful view of aqua colored water driving over the bridge to Siesta Key and I was sold on Sarasota," Dokko said. "Growing up in Brazil, so many things were different but I knew I wanted to practice my craft here." On his days off, which are limited, you might find Dokko out for a bowl of Pho at Miss Saigon. But don't think Dokko is all work and no play, Daniel has a keen eye on the beat of action and loves to travel to Vegas and NYC to search for the cool the hip and the edgy. Thank goodness he always brings that edge back with him, keeping his customers, aka J-pan groupies, enticed with sushi and style.