TATU: Asian seduction in South Florida
The allure of TATU in Fort Lauderdale is hard to resist: intense Asian flavors, cool industrial-chic interiors and a long reservation list all satisfy the desire for delicious drama.
Demanding clientele know what they want and judging by TATU's increasing popularity, it seems the uber-trendy restaurant delivers.
Even before you taste your first bite at TATU the restaurant's decor will fill you up. Dark floors, glittering black walls and dim lighting serve as a theatrical backdrop to the intricate chain link draperies (think a knight's armor) which section-off individual tables, giving a sense of privacy in the midst of a packed house.
Gorgeous white paper lanterns float overhead in an area reserved for large parties. And to kick up the Asian influence, anime is projected onto a large wall at the back of the restaurant where sushi chefs create beautiful rolls for hungry customers. The overall effect spins traditional breezy South Florida design into its more mysterious Asian nightlife counterpart and it works.
The Cantonese, Mandarin, Szechwan, Vietnamese and Thai influenced menu offers guests large portions meant to be shared. Appetizers feature a plethora of sushi options, as well as edamame, crab rangoon, wild mushroom pot stickers, firecracker spring rolls and more.
For the main attraction, beef with chinese broccoli, cashew chicken, Chilean Sea Bass and moo shu pork are just some of your choices. Wash it down with a watermelon mojito or a blushing geisha.
Forget the fortune cookies found at typical Asian restaurants. Even if you can't find room for dessert, TATU tops off your meal with a large helping of sour apple cotton candy — you won't be able to resist your sweet tooth!
If you don't like a crowd go early during the week. TATU comes alive as the sun sinks.
Posted by Christine Foster
