A friend of mine, David, told me about this great sushi place where they "float your sushi by you on a boat" located on a street we drive motorcycles on the way to South Beach. Eventually, I wanted to take my wife out for something special. We went.
First we mistakenly entered a different sushi place about one block away, it was nearly empty - normal tables, normal layout, no floating boats. We left.
After walking a bit further down the street I spotted through a window a U shaped bar with little boats floating by. Never would have known from signage - you see the sign on the front said "RK" with a basketball hoop and ball (so much for advertising). I found out later the place is called Katana. It was small and cramped. We waited about 20 minutes for seating, which consisted of a chair and four inches between you, the wall and the "river bar." We loved it.
This place, without proper signage, no advertising and sparse expense paid to décor was packed. It looked to be 50 years old and probably does the same successful business every night. My wife and I can't wait to go back.
Why? It was different. It was crowded - it had a vibe. Everyone wanted to be a part of it. We didn't mind spending a little more. Dave told me, I tell you, my wife tells some more.
Anita X Yelps "This place is like a sushi speakeasy because it's a place that you only go to if you're in the know. There's no sign, so most people find out about it by word of mouth. Inside the restaurant is small and dark, so be prepared to sit pretty close to the people beside you, but the great thing about this restaurant is the sense of community among everyone dining there."
Why am I blogging about this? Has Cruise Market Watch become a restaurant review site? No. I want to point out the power of a simple marketing philosophy. Something good and extra-ordinary gets the pod chirping with word of mouth and online social media. And that will keep your boat floating.