• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

P.F. Chang’s is rolling out a new Tokyo-inspired seasonal menu and tapped a crew that knows a thing or two about providing a great guest experience to promote it.

The brand’s new Summer in Tokyo menu is available today through Sept. 25, which includes “sushi creations, hand rolls, specialty cocktails and chef-crafted dishes designed for sharing.”

The highlight of the limited time offering is the new Sushi Boat, which includes an assortment chilled edamame, California Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll and a choice of two additional rolls (Spicy Tuna, Dynamite Shrimp or Kung Pao) and is arranged on a small wooden tabletop boat garnished with dry ice.

Often ordered at times of group celebrations, the sushi boat (unamori, or boat presentation) originated in Japan's coastal fishing communities, where fishermen commemorated bountiful catches by skillfully displaying their raw seafood on wooden boats.

The brand has tapped “fan-favorite yachties” Captain Sandy Yawn and Aesha Scott, stars of the Bravo reality television series “Below Deck Mediterranean,” for an accompanying social campaign.

A :30 spot, seen here, features the duo seated at a P.F. Chang’s, seen trying the visually stunning Sushi Boat, complete with dry ice water vapor wafting from underneath. “This is definitely five-star service,” says Captain Yawn. “You finish a long day on the boat and tell me you wouldn’t want this,” Scott responds.

“When we started thinking about how to bring Summer in Tokyo to life beyond the restaurant, Captain Sandy and Aesha Scott felt like a natural extension,” said Holly Smith, CMO of P.F. Chang's. “The two superyachties are experts at creating unforgettable guest experiences and we're excited to have them help introduce the Sushi Boat in a way that's fun, engaging and true to the spirit of P.F. Chang's.”

The campaign continues with an additional 20 influencer collaborations, according to the brand, “reflecting P.F. Chang's continued investment in culturally relevant storytelling that connects food, entertainment and hospitality.”