Talk about a “Matrix” moment, the elevator shoots up 27 floors and we emerge in a restaurant hideaway packed into SOHO’s towering complex. Diaphanous curtains hang between intimate tables, comfy chairs are scattered about and a big-screen TV plays American movies, all of which help retain the restaurant’s warm, living room feel. Visual highlights included the stone, checkerboard art piece stretching across the entranceway wall; so deco, we had to take a picture.
Sadly, light panic did ensue over the menus, which like the fuwuyua’r, are all Chinese. Tempura? Pronounced “tian-fu-su” (¥21 small, ¥25 large bowl). Fishy, oniony bowl of something? Just point and trust me on this one (¥21). Yeah, and some a-ma-zing sushi. Our serving was a California roll tuna-ish treat, small, yet generously portioned (¥22). In proper style, we sipped Japanese tea, served here in a nouveaux glass teapot with save-your-fingers handle (¥22). If you’re lunch-breaking in SOHO, treat your taste buds with a ride up building eight. For those less likely to venture out to Chaoyang, consider Xiu for your next intimate dinner party. Throw in some candles and music and the room will be just … diaphanous. -Kari O’Brien