The original Yucca restaurant location opened in June 2010 at Expo Village in Shanghai, and trust me, it did not look anything like this! I was there! The latest incarnation is the vibrant micro-lounge version located on the third floor of Mansion 26F at Sinan Mansions. This new extravagant space promises to “surprise and tantalize the senses.”
The same building houses the headquarters of Yucca’s creator, Australian-Greek chef and restaurateur David Laris. It also has three of his other restaurants: Funky Chicken, Fat Olive and 12 Chairs.
The style of the new Yucca combines the imagination of Salvador Dali, vibrant colors of Diego Rivera and Ricardo Legorreta. “There are the religious undertones, tall candelabra, catholic crosses, elaborate floor mosaics. There are shocking colors, paisley arm chairs, iron gates and a big slab of marble as the main bar. It all looks a bit much, even without patrons. And the multitude of rum and tequila cocktails will only heighten the somewhat mad vibe. Undoubtedly the creators’ intention.” – Tuija Seipell
And in conclusion below is my picture of the original restaurant at the Shanghai EXPO taken last summer 2010. The place does have similar style and geometry but lacking the vibrancy and originality of the new place.
