Good Pesach, everyone.
As you know, collecting stupid press releases is one of my favorite hobbies. This one takes the cake. Is it just me, or is this the worst concept of all time, worse even than Restaurant Miami? It begs the question, what is the worst concept in the Twin Cities restaurant scene? It might even be from a restaurant that closed recently, and let’s confine our chat to eateries that are less than five years old or opened (and perhaps closed) since 2002. "Genesis Salad"??? Oh lord. Read below for some great inspiration as you mull over my question of the day, and of course, for an amazing laugh.
The following press release about the new Cafe Emunah, the first-ever
Kabbalistic lifestyle lounge & tea bar, may be of interest to your
audience. Any editorial comment or mention that you may give this
press release would be greatly appreciated.
ELEVATE THE PALETTE AND SOUL AT NEW CAFE EMUNAH IN FT. LAUDERDALE
FIRST-EVER KABBALISTIC LIFESTYLE LOUNGE & TEA BAR PRESENTS A
BIBLICALLY INSPIRED MENU, ORGANIC ENTREES, AND ‘SIDES’ OF TABLE TALK
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL - March 13, 2007 - Café Emunah opens this month at
3558 North Ocean Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale. This new, $1.5 million
chic kabbalistic lifestyle lounge and tea bar designed to elevate both
the palette and spirit debuts with a very unique menu option: a ‘side’
of table talk. Created by PhD Dr. Marla Reis and Chabad Rabbi Moshe
Meir Lipszyc, Emunah, which means “Faith” in Hebrew, has already
stirred interest from investors seeking to franchise the concept in
other major cities later this year.
Emunah’s modern “organic chic” aesthetic presents diners with
environmentally sensitive décor consisting of evocative art, natural
woods, large open windows, frosted glass, muted metals, recycled
plastics, ergonomic chairs and chandeliers outfitted by flowing sheer
skirting. Retail towers interspersed through Emunah’s Wi-Fi enabled
lounge area offers soul-inspiring reads, tea pots and tea timers,
organic soy candles, and essential home accessories.
“Emunah’s philosophy is to offer a haven for the senses,” explains co-
founder Dr. Marla Reis, “We are designed to appeal to diners of all
beliefs and faiths. We cater to those individuals who believe in
living consciously and welcome those who want to learn how to
incorporate this consciousness into their lives.”
Biblically-influenced dishes such as “inspired miso soup”, “genesis
salad”, and “enlightened encrusted salmon cakes” set the dining tone.
Terminology such as Foresight (appetizers), Revelation (entrees), and
Soul Stirrings (drink & tea choices), replace the expected. A sushi
menu titled “After The Flood” presents innovative sushi rolls
including Rabbi Rolls, Day 5, and East Meets West. Garden-direct whole
leaf organic teas are proudly served to diners accompanied by
electronic sand timers.
But perhaps most unique of all is Emunah’s ‘side dish’ of table talk
concept. Reis, a practicing PhD, will sit table-side with diners who
order a side order of ‘talk’ with their lunch or dinner.
“Consider a session at Emunah a casual conversation with a
professional source,” explains Reis. “We’ll be the first to mainstream
and commercialize informal sessions—it’s the quintessential coffee
(or tea) talk,” says Reis.
Emunah’s organic restaurant-tea bar-sushi bar-library lounge concept
is also strictly enforced by ORB (Orthodox Rabbinical Board) supervision.
The café is located at 3558 North Ocean Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale
and is open for lunch and dinner. Operating hours are Sunday through
Thursday 11 am–10 pm, Friday 9 am–4 pm, Saturday from 1½ hours after
sunset till 2 am.