From seafood to sci-fi: Zen Sushi becomes Barbarella Bar

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The former Zen Sushi’s transformation into Barbarella Bar is almost complete. Reps say it will open in January. Barbarella bar is the creation of Bungalow Club owner Anat Escher, who, according to a news release, chose the name Barbarella because he was inspired ‘by the strong, sexy and beautiful lead character in the film.’

Jane Fonda, who played the title character in the 1968 cult classic, might not agree with that assessment of the film’s merits. After all, in Barbarella (which was directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim) she played a barely clothed astronaut who goes to bed with practically every man who rescues her (while in search of an evil scientist named Durand Durand--yes, that’s where the band got its name). Today, Barbarella lives on as one of the 100 funniest bad movies ever made in Golden Raspberry Award founder John Wilson’s book, ‘The Official Razzie Movie Guide.’

If Escher’s new bar can conjure up the bizarro, sex-on-acid-in-space vibe of the movie, you’ll have to pry me from my barstool every night. Otherwise, I’m not sure I like the idea of trying to cop the Barbarella name without adding the requisite fat wedge of cheese (and I don’t mean modern Hollywood cheese) to the nightly proceedings.

So my eyebrow arches archly when Escher is quoted as saying, ‘Expect the femaile waitstaff to have the same appeal [as the strong, sexy, beautiful lead character in the film]. But that’s where the similarities end.’ Hold up a minute: There is no sexy space-girl appeal without lots of gold lame and glitter everywhere. That said, I reserve further judgement until I see the place with my own eyes.

Here’s what you can expect from the 4,300 square-foot bar, restaurant, and lounge: A 60-foot hand-carved wooden bar fronted by suede stools with seating for 45; a lounge with tufted silver leather couches (the silver is a good sign); red leather banquettes and mahogany tables astride a large dance floor lighted by a chandelier; 24 micro-brews from around the world; global cuisine with both big and small plates; dishes including pizza, burgers, Scottish salmon, jidori chicken, steaks and salads; and DJs on a regular basis.

--Jessica Gelt

Czech Barbarella poster: Copyright © Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.