8 brand-new concepts worth tracking
By Heather Lalley on Apr. 06, 20171. Doughbird, Phoenix
The latest from Fox Restaurant Concepts (True Food Kitchen, Flower Child) is as its name describes, with a menu that features wood-oven pizzas and rotisserie chicken. The 5,500-square-foot concept plays up customizable meals with a choice of sides and sauces. The restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows, an open kitchen and blue subway tile, also features a full bar and kids menu.
2. Tao, Los Angeles
This Asian-themed "clubstaurant" chain already boasts America’s highest-grossing independent restaurant at its Las Vegas location. And its New York City outpost is the third highest-grosser. The newest Tao in Los Angeles features a 20-foot statue atop a koi pond that’s “brought to life” via 3D projection-mapping technology. The lengthy menu features a full roster of sushi as well as many other Asian-inspired dishes. Tao is currently at work on a 34,000-square-foot Chicago unit.
3. Yauatcha, Houston
The Hakkasan Group’s Michelin-starred, London-based dim sum and teahouse concept makes its U.S. arrival inside The Galleria, Eater Houston reports. The space features banquettes embroidered with cherry blossoms, teapot-lined shelves and a ceiling of twinkling stars. The menu, which is heavy on tableside service, is organized by cooking method (steamed, baked, grilled and pan-fried) and offers an assortment of small plates to pair with more than 40 types of tea. The cocktail menu highlights tea-based drinks.
4. Atla, New York City
This casual Mexican restaurant from chefs Enrique Olvera and Daniela Soto-Innes is a few blocks from upscale sister operation Cosme, Eater New York reports. The all-day menu is plant-focused, with dishes like kale tamale, chia oatmeal and a veggie-heavy chicken caldo. A nonalcohol drink menu includes toasted-sesame horchata and tepache, a fermented drink made with pineapple peel. The restaurant also features mezcal. Olvera’s Pujol restaurant in Mexico City was recently named No. 20 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
5. Beau Bar, Los Angeles
This third-wave coffee shop lets customers relax in a hanging egg chair while sipping inventive coffee drinks. Beverages feature innovative ingredients like matcha, lavender, red beans and Korean mixed grains.
6. Your Story, San Diego
Here’s an Asian-fusion twist on comfort-food classics like chicken and waffles. This 1,500-square-foot former taco shop menus Taiwanese brick toast with savory toppings, a banh mi riff and those chicken and waffles, served on a Taiwanese bubble-wrap-esque egg waffle. The space is playfully decorated with retro animation characters and outdoor chairs made from sake barrels, according to Eater San Diego.
7. DTB, New Orleans
Commander’s Palace alum Carl Schaubhut is the chef at this Cajun-coastal restaurant. The interior features communal white oak tables, as well as alligator-upholstered banquettes, an open kitchen and Spanish moss accents. The menu is divided into Sociables, T-Plates, Beaucoup Plates and Lagniappe.
8. Tfor, New York City
Can an all-tartare concept survive in today's struggling restaurant climate? This raw-focused menu includes a variety of tartare, carpaccio and ceviche, paired with organic wines. The simple space is brightened with white and turquoise decor.