Masō hides behind Swift Lounge in a Clark Road shopping plaza, but finding it is part of the fun. The intimate restaurant belongs to a collection of neighboring food-and-drink concepts from co-owners Broc Smith and Jeremy Rice, giving guests three different bars and dining experiences to explore.

Smith says everyone should try one of chef Drew Adams’ occasional specials: scallop crudo with chive oil and warm scallop chowder poured over the cool, raw scallops.

Smith joins the team when needed—even if that means washing dishes alongside his staff. “There’s no part of this that I’ve done on my own,” Smith says. “It takes cultivating a great team of people.”

For Smith, dinner should deliver more than the expected entrée and bottle. “If we’re selling somebody a steak and a bottle of wine, we haven’t done our job,” he says. “We’re delivering a whole experience.”

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