Outer Borough Beauty Travel 25 miles south from midtown Manhattan and you end up in Tottenville, Staten Island, NY's southernmost neighborhood. It's the last place you'd expect to find a restaurant that looks like this one, but the owners wanted a “Wow!” factor for their new upscale Japanese/sushi restaurant Takayama.
Horst Design International (HDI) gave them one. “By creating a dramatically lit atmosphere that exudes both Asian and Western design influences, we generate greater visual interest and excitement,” says HDI president Doug Horst. Owner Ray Tam senses that excitement. “Whether you're in the sushi bar, main dining room or bar/lounge area, there is always a special feature to capture your attention,” he says. The target market — upscale, mature customers — feels the same. It's hard to believe HDI is a retail store specialist that seldom does restaurants.
