March 1st marked the Toronto opening of China’s biggest music restaurant franchise, Hutaoli Music Restaurant ^ Bar. Having over 400 locations, it is the first restaurant to open outside of the country. The name means “ideal fantasy world” in Mandarin Chinese which fits perfectly with the 2-year’s-worth of work in designing the interior. A massive venue, with a potential of hosting over 200 guests, is decorated like an elusive forest; with dangling lightbulbs, vinery, beautiful plants, and bird cages. The…
We have reached a tipping point with Japanese AYCE establishments. Firstly, we need to address the perception associated with AYCE joints; it is the notion that they sprout up like weeds and use subpar ingredients. Essentially– it is the idea of ‘cheap and cheerful food’ that can feed the masses.