Popular Japanese restaurant, Zauo, has 13 establishments across Japan and has now crossed the waters into America – bringing with it it’s unique layout and business plan. Now open in New York, the restaurant allows customers to rent a rod, provides them with free bait, and lets them have a go at fishing in Zauo’s deep waters tanks to catch a fish for their meal. The tanks contain three fish varieties, striped bass, trout and salmon.
For customer’s less interested in doing the fishing themselves, the restaurant's staff serve as fishing guides who catch a fish chosen out by the customer. When a fish is caught, the team celebrate with a ceremonial drum. Customers then give the fish to the chef and choose how they would like their meal prepared from the restaurant’s variety of cooking options.
The fish can be served grilled with salt, simmered in soy sauce, tempura-fried or eaten sashimi-style. There is a catch, however - whatever guests catch they must eat, whether it be a US$45 striped bass or a US$110 salmon. Fish caught by restaurant staff also cost extra – so to save on the meal, customers are encouraged to have a go themselves.
