What Is Experience Zuzu? Here’s What We Know. | Eater Nashville

"I expect Experience Zuzu to feel less like the pre-party and more like the party itself: the Detroit-based experiential restaurant will open in fall or winter in Nashville’s former Green Pheasant space at 215 1st Avenue South and, at about 9,800 square feet—roughly 40% larger than the Detroit location—aims to be a high-energy, Miami- and Las Vegas-inspired destination. Keeping an air of mystery, founder Zaid Elia calls the concept 'experiences' rather than a club or restaurant; he’s expanded the kitchen to serve more customers and plans over-the-top theatrics by New York–based iCrave, with emerald green booths, vampy red accents, warm stone countertops and a massive oval bar anchoring the main room. Upstairs will be a high-end cocktail lounge that hosts a DJ into the night or can function as a private event space. The menu blends Asian flavors rather than being strictly Japanese, with sushi and sashimi alongside tomahawk steaks, A5 wagyu, Thai branzino, wok-fried dishes and starters Elia praises—tempura fries and Golden Wagyu croquettes. Cocktails lean on Asian flavors and showmanship, exemplified by the Big and Bold 11 Not a 10 served in a two-and-a-half ounce gold flask you can take home. Initially the kitchen will be run by the Detroit team while a local crew ramps up, and Elia is banking on Nashville’s growth and events like the Country Music Awards and the Grand Prix to draw steady crowds." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones