Black Phoenix

The Black Phoenix combines the two culinary traditions of dim sum and sushi, which reflects the couple that runs the place. Qiu Jian brings her expertise with dim sum into a professional partnership with Takamitsu Ren, a fisherman and sushi master chef. The Qui family and Takamitsu family have been friends for a long time, but until the creation of the Black Phoenix the families have not pooled their resources.

Despite being a small building, the families manage to host a full dining area for dim sum along with a significant sushi bar.

Purpose / Function

Dim sum is served during the lunchtime period. Sushi is served all day, plus traditional tea house serving green teas of many kinds.

Architecture

The building is an interesting fusion of both Chinese and Japanese architecture. A Buddhist zen garden occupies a space behind the building.

Perhaps the most striking architectural feature is a large phoenix carved out of black onyx whose color transforms into a bright red head, said to signify the mythical phoenix emerging from ashes into its new life. ...usually

Not everyone shares this interpretation. The red head can also be seen as the dying flame leaving only the petrified ash of the bird behind. The official meaning isn't explicitly stated by either family, letting the cyclical symbolism of the phoenix allow for multiple views.

Alternative Names

Black Phoenix Dim Sum and Sushi,
the Black Phoenix Restaurant

Type

Pub / Tavern / Restaurant

Parent Location

Sanctum