Zauo Fishing Restaurant to Open in New York

Category : Human Interest

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. theme / θim / (n) – a general idea that explains everything
    Example:

    The new theme restaurant is about a famous cartoon show.


  2. cater / ˈkeɪ tər / (v) – to provide what is desired
    Example:

    The bar caters to customers with different preferences.


  3. hit / hɪt / (n) – a success
    Example:

    Their seafood restaurant became a hit in a few months.


  4. dine / daɪn / (v) – to eat
    Example:

    I usually dine at home after work.


  5. catch (someone’s) fancy / kætʃ ˈfæn si / (idiom) – to be interesting to someone
    Example:

    Weird designs can catch customers’ fancy.


Article

Read the text below.

Zauo, a Japanese theme restaurant known for its fishing concept, will soon open a branch in New York City.


Like its branches in Japan, Zauo New York will also let its customers catch and eat their own fish. The restaurant’s first two floors will house a large boat as part of the fishing experience. Customers can sit inside the boat while catching fish from tanks below. The third floor, on the other hand, will cater to customers who want to order food but do not like fishing.


The restaurant will store ten species of fish in its tanks. As soon as a customer catches a fish, it can be grilled, boiled, fried, or prepared raw by Zauo chefs. The freshly-caught fish are also less expensive than regular fish.


Zauo is a hit in Japan, with 14 branches operating in the country. According to Takuya Takahashi, Zauo’s Vice President, customers are drawn to the restaurant because it gives families opportunities to dine together.


Takahashi also explained that the restaurant’s novel concept gives people a valuable experience. Customers appreciate the value of life by catching their own food. In addition, Zauo’s fishing experience also shows children where their food comes from.


Zauo is only one of the many theme restaurants in Japan that are meant to catch customers’ fancy. Lock-Up Shibuya, for instance, uses a horror-prison theme to give customers a good scare. Another restaurant called Ninja Akasaka features ninjas showing tricks and performances. Lastly, Robot Restaurant has different robots that dance and do boxing matches.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• What are some qualities of a good theme restaurant?
• What theme restaurant would you like to create?

Discussion B

• Why have some people taken food for granted?
• In what other ways can people learn to appreciate food?

Category : Human Interest