Japanese Whisky and King Crab Legs by Way of London

Okay, they’re married.

Surely there must be another, less reserved way to indulge our across-the-pond fascinations.

Like on Novikov, the touted, London-originated, Chinese-Japanese restaurant where your king crab dreams come true, opening tonight in Downtown’s Met 1 Condos.

You’ll head here with a date who may enjoy hearing how Prince Harry dined in its sister spot long before the world watched him wed. Something you’ll casually mention as you wander into the space and take a right to the bar for smoky, Japanese whisky-based Kiri Old Fashioneds served in flasks.

As conversation blossoms, you’ll take in your surroundings. The bar’s resin mirror facade with a cloud motif will evoke misty Japanese mountaintops. And the high-gloss wood walls and columns will look like a well-lacquered forest. And those spectacular views of Biscayne Bay will look exceptionally, expectedly aqua-marine.

And then there’s the matter of the almighty market in here, where you’ll pick the ingredients behind your meal. Your crab legs. Your fish. Even your peppers, if you’re up to it.

You’ll plan that out at a giant oak table. In arrangements like King crab legs and numerous dips. Quail egg and truffle gunkan or quail egg with truffle cream. And spicy prawn dim sum mixing carrot with garlic, ginger, cilantro and shrimp. Things you’ll anticipate eagerly as you sip wasabi martinis with vodka, pineapple purée, lemon and wasabi syrup.

And should you desire your whisky in dessert form, there’s a Suntory baba brioche for dessert.

Which pairs great with more whisky.