L: Zauo new York location (CityRealty), R: Photos via Zauo Instagram
New Yorkers are quite used to chain restaurants like Applebees, Ruby Tuesday, and Chick-Fil-A, but coming soon to Chelsea is a different kind of chain that has gained popularity overseas for its unique concept – fishing for your own food. That's right. The family-owned chain Zauo, which started in Japan and has 13 locations there, will be opening its first U.S. location at 152 West 24th Street, adjacent to the popular Barcade, between Seventh and Sixth Avenues. The developer of the site, Sam Chang's McSam Hotel Group, is also behind an upcoming 45-story hotel a few doors down at 142 West 24th Street.
Here's how it works: Diners will be given poles and bait to reel in fish from a tank stocked with ten different kinds of fish. Once they catch their prey (waiters can help if you're having difficulty), the staff prepares it in a number of ways, including deep-fried, grilled, or sashimi. Adding to the cool factor is an actual boat built inside the three-level restaurant.
Those who prefer not to catch their food can head upstairs to the third level, where they can choose from sushi and higher-end dishes. However, keep in mind this option is more expensive.
Those who prefer not to catch their food can head upstairs to the third level, where they can choose from sushi and higher-end dishes. However, keep in mind this option is more expensive.
Facade work wrapping up at 152 West 24th Street (CityRealty)
In an interview with Vice in 2015, Takuya Takahashi, a Vice President of Zauo, credited the restaurant's success in Japan to the fact that the city's small spaces and busy lifestyles offer few opportunities for families to actually eat together. Sound familiar? Zauo New York, which will hold nearly 200 people, will create a family-friendly atmosphere where fresh food and a one-of-a-kind experience can be enjoyed.
The restaurant's original opening date was set for February, but now, the official Zauo Facebook says they expect to open within the next few months. Construction on the facade is nearly wrapped up, according to CityRealty's recent visit to the site.
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Sandra Herrera
Sandra Herrera is a writer, editor, and graphic designer based in Brooklyn, NY.
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