Resources
>
BLOG

Can These Crazy Ideas Possibly Work?

Sep 14, 2011

If there’s one thing that springs eternal, it’s hope—and what more evidence do you need than these two wacky-sounding new-concept ideas springing up?

Just opening in New York City, Taka Taka is an ultimate mashup of “Mexican sushi & Japanese tacos.” There have always been similarities in foods across the globe—think of all the meatballs, for instance, from Swedish to Italian to Shanghai-style Lion’s Head —but Taka Taka pushes the boundaries, from the menu of mixed-up rolls to the origami-meets-Mexico City décor.

The real hook, though, is the conveyor belt that snakes through the booth-filled dining room, delivering cross-cultural finger food like shrimp tempura taco with avocado and masago in a flour tortilla, and a chipotle-sauced maki roll filled with cheese and avocado—all on plates that are color-coded by price. The a la carte selection from the kitchen includes “sushi bomb” rice balls, soft-shell tacos, and Shabu Shabu that’s heated at the table on induction grills, the better to help hipster customers keep their cool. The cocktail list includes—surprise!—sake, tequila, and mezcal specialties, along with beers from both countries.

From Fort Lauderdale comes news of the planned opening of an ice-themed restaurant called Tundra: Ice sculptures, ice-globe light fixtures, flowers encased in ice, and food and drink served in and on ice. Ice-freak owner David Berman also owns a company that does sculptured ice for all kinds of occasions.

Cocktails served in spherical ice glasses obviate the need for ice cubes. The signature Tundra Taste Tour menu item at $59 includes a selection of 16 small plate options. Ice flatware and plates, shipped in from Sculptured Ice Occasions, will display the likes of duck prosciutto and curried crab.

The décor is billed as tundra-style, an earthy look that calls to mind the frozen landscape of a natural arctic tundra, with a moss-lined entrance and tones of browns, greens and deep reds. A chandelier styled to look like icicles (though it’s not actually made of ice, thank goodness) hangs from the center of the dining room, and there’s a snow white LED-lit bar. The overall effect, according to press reports, will be intimate, rather than cold.
Berman and his partners have plans, for two additional ice-themed restaurants in South Florida: a more upscale Miami location called Chill and the more casual Alaska Ice Lodge, set to open next year.

Tell us: Do you think these crazy concepts can work?