A crispy rice bar, sushi and stuffed churros: New vendors open at this Wynwood hot spot

You might expect the world’s first crispy rice bar to launch internationally. Tokyo, perhaps? Maybe London or Singapore?

But no. In a small room at Wynwood’s popular dining and entertainment venue Oasis, a crispy rice bar is one of three new concepts that has opened its doors to Miami diners who can’t resist the allure of fried rice rectangles, sushi — and churros and ice cream.

OK, so sushi and churros may seem an odd pairing. But partners Andrew Mayer and Ryan Leto have joined forces with a trio of influencers to open a mini food hall, with Miss Crispy Rice, Sushi OG and Papi Churro all under one roof, just around the corner from the Tower Bar at the sprawling Oasis complex. That “under one roof” part is key, especially combined with air conditioning and with the hot, wet Miami summer on the way.

Mayer, who promises that Miss Crispy Rice is the world’s first crispy rice bar — “I’ve done my research,” he says — is the founder of Poke OG, which has locations in downtown Miami and 1-800-Lucky Asian food hall in Wynwood, and Mr. Omakase in Brickell.

“I know they don’t go together, but this is Oasis,” Mayer says of his new location, which also includes vendors like Prince Street Pizza from New York and Los Buenos from the Coyo Taco group as well as the full service restaurant Huacachina. “It’s one big mix-and-match.”

Like Mr. Omakase, Miss Crispy Rice, which is essentially a sushi bar, is reservation only. Unlike most omakase restaurants, though, you can choose what you want, perhaps a five-piece crispy rice flight that includes truffle avocado, uni/ikura, scallop, salmon and toro ($35). The handrolls can also be ordered separately, like the tuna poke handroll that mimics Poke OG’s tuna ($7). There’s even an A5 Katsu Sando, a deep-fried Japanese wagyu ribeye ($65).

“What appeals to me about a crispy rice bar is quite simple: Everybody loves it,” Mayer says.

One counter over is Sushi OG, which features crudos, chirashi bowls and eight-piece handrolls like the Kat OG roll with tempura fried asparagus, avocado and snow crab topped with torched wagyu and truffle microgreens ($20).

At Papi Churro, you can try the churros Mayer and his team have been working on for more than a year (“It’s my favorite dessert,” he says). The good news: They’re just about perfect and a far cry from the cheap mall churros you’ve come to know and grow ambivalent toward. Pair them with Frice Ice Cream and create a sundae — kids are going to love the signature flavor of Blue Cookie Monster — or order them stuffed with guava, cookie butter or dulce de leche.

Mayer praises the work of his influencer friends Sam Schnur of @TheNaughtyFork, Yanni Georgoulakis of @FoodyFetish and model Cindy Prado, all equal partners in the new venture.

“I’m fortunate to be close with all three,” he says. “They’re very passionate and just great people. When I asked them all, I expected one to say yes, and they all said yes. They helped us launch, and I feel comfortable doing business with them. I have influencer friends — I’d be crazy not to ask for their help.”

Miss Crispy Rice, Sushi OG, Papi Churro

Where: Oasis, 2319 N. Miami Ave., Miami

Open: Tuesday-Sunday for dinner; lunch hours coming soon

Reservations for Miss Crispy Rice counter: www.exploretock.com/misscrispyrice

This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 6:00 AM.