After nearly two decades at Key Colony Plaza, longtime Key Biscayne favorite Papercrane has relocated just down Crandon Boulevard to the Galleria Shopping Center.<\/p>\n
The restaurant, formerly known as Origins before a rebrand three years ago, is entering a new chapter while keeping the same menu, staff and loyal community that helped make it a neighborhood staple.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Papercrane’s origin roll and shrimp pad thai.<\/p>\n
Islander News recently sat down with New York born owner, and Key Biscayne resident, Lena Sumonthee to discuss the move, the meaning behind the restaurant\u2019s name and what diners can expect from the new space.<\/p>\n
When we first opened, we operated as Origins for 17 years\u201d Sumonthee told Islander News, explaining that \u201cthree years ago, we changed the name to Papercrane.<\/p>\n
\u201cPapercrane has a beautiful meaning, as in Asia, it symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, hope and love,\u201d she said. \u201cNow it really rings true, as we settle into this new location, truly reflecting the look and vision we wanted to create for Papercrane.\u201d<\/p>\n
Communicating a move to an established clientele took some planning, according to Sumonthee.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the past several months, we have been sharing with our loyal customers that we would be moving to this new location,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are very happy that most of them are returning.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the objectives, and now side benefits, from the move has been an increase in new faces dining at Papercrane.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn just these first two weeks since opening, we have already noticed significantly more foot traffic and many new customers,\u201d Sumonthee said.<\/p>\n
On the move itself, we asked Sumonthee if rising rents and operating costs triggered the move or has changed the way she approaches running the restaurant.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, to some extent,\u201d she said. \u201cCosts have definitely gone up, and that has affected us. However, we want to keep things as consistent as possible because we have many loyal customers who order from us more than five times a week. Just as they have been loyal to us, we want to remain loyal to them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
We asked her what was the hardest part about leaving the old Key Colony location, and she reflected on the memories, \u201cso many, holiday parties, birthday celebrations, and countless special moments. It was truly emotional \u2026 so much happened at our previous location.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Papercrane roll.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the most beautiful things has been seeing children who used to come with their parents and who are now grown up and returning as customers themselves. That is something very special, and we will definitely hope to start creating new memories in this new location.\u201d<\/p>\n
We asked Sumonthee if she had been surprised by anything in the new location, which was previously occupied by Randazzo\u2019s Italian restaurant, and what she liked most about being in the Galleria Shopping Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe neighbors have been very welcoming,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is a vibrant and fun plaza with plenty to see and do and a lot more foot traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for the food itself, Sumonthee said \u201ceverything remains the same: same chef, same staff, same menu, and the same specials, including our popular happy hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
We asked Sumonthee to offer an under the radar Papercrane dish she wished more people ordered.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Papercrane’s\u00a0Roasted Pork Asian Soft Taco.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe sell almost everything on the menu, but I would have to say our signature Papercrane Roll, which we introduced about three years ago when we changed our name to Papercrane.\u201d<\/p>\n
The dish is a combination of Yellow Tail Tempura, avocado, cucumber, layered with fresh salmon, tuna and jalapeno eel sauce.<\/p>\n
She also said that all curry-based dishes are popular with customers, as well as their Pad Thai Noodles. Customers also love the Origin and Key Biscayne Rolls.<\/p>\n
As for her favorite menu entr\u00e9e, she did not hesitate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Malaysian Shrimp Scampi,\u201d she answered smiling.<\/p>\n
Sumonthee and her team worked hard to create a special place to receive present and new clients.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have worked to make this new location look elegant, but casual at the same time, for our guests to feel comfortable and happy, while enjoying great service and delicious food,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
If you go.<\/p>\n
Papercrane is located in the Galleria Plaza at 328 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. They are open Noon-3 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and reopen for dinner at 4:30 -10 p.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. Fri and Sat. Visit papercranemenu.com<\/a> to view the menu and order online or call (305) 200-3106.<\/p>\n