Two new exciting Asian restaurant concepts are opening soon in Magnolia; Yucu Japanese and Thaikula Thai-Chinese Fusion will split the two levels a large 16,000sf building… and 42Freeway stopped in for the preview look!
Located on the White Horse Pike, locals remember the building as being the Laughing Fox Tavern. Many would be surprised to know that there was an entire second restaurant space in the lower level… which is perfect for the new owners to establish two different Asian cuisines and dining experiences.
The equally beautiful but unique experience of the lower level brings us Thaikula… which is a Thai-Chinese Fusion restaurant in a more intimate space with it’s own separate bar.
In the main floor the stage is now gone from the space but entertainment still plays a part, as a separate rear private room has been turned into a Karaoke party space!
My last update on the restaurant was about a month ago when I focused on the Thai restaurant aspects… No one realized until recently that we were getting two new Asian restaurants out of the deal!
Upgrades have taken place inside the building, and honestly it looks ready to open. Management is waiting for the final approvals before they can open up the restaurants to customers.
Follow both restaurants on their social media platforms so you know when they both open, but I will likely be back for the opening… maybe a live stream tour?
Yucu Japanese – Sushi & Hibachi
The main upper level and large bar area that most are familiar with is now home to Yucu Japanese serving delicious high quality sushi, hibachi dishes and other Japanese recipes.
This is a beautiful large and high-ceiling space designed with several different dining areas, a large center bar and attractive design details.
Management implemented several upgrades in this restaurant space including at the entrance closing off the center entrance walkway into the bar area, with access to seating off to the side.
The Yucu team did their homework because they were a couple of areas which were underutilized from the former restaurant design, so they made changes and repurposed some of those aspects.
Of course the main centerpiece bar still remains as a focal point of the restaurant.
But as an example, off to the right of the main entrance was a smaller secondary bar that honestly was never used in my visits to the prior restaurant, and that has been removed. This area will now feature high top tables for casual drinks, say if customers are waiting for a table.
In the back of the restaurant the former pizza counter bar area also wasn’t really used for seating previously, and Yucu has done a really smart thing by turning this area into the sushi bar by adding attractive curve display cases which now rest on top of the counter.
Another area getting new life in the main floor is a large back private room, that now will become the karaoke party space. The televisions are already in place as well as a high-end karaoke and sound system!
We cranked up the sound karaoke sound system for my visit, and this also seems like a smart decision to have the separate karaoke room because the main level is a large cavernous space… and the karoake fun will be kept within the party room area.
One area that I know everyone will ask about is… “do they still have the stage? will they still have live bands?”
There is no immediate plans to bring live entertainment back other than the Asian-oriented experience of the karaoke room. But honestly management showcased for me their high-tech dance lighting and audio systems… and maybe in the future we see a later evening dance nightclub aspect come to the restaurant (particularly in the lower level), but that has not been determined yet. The focus is on the restaurants.
The former raise stage area has been removed and in its place is an “Instagrammable” park-like setting with a fantasy horse in place! The digital wall that was behind the stage… those panels are being used in a few areas in the restaurant.
During my visit the kitchen was not operating as you would expect, but I’ve been told again that it’s high-quality sushi, hibachi and Japanese dish menu.
The Hibachi aspect will not have the large “performance” style flat top tables… but Hibachi will be prepared in the kitchen and brought out to your table fresh.
You will be able to order entrees from the menu, or they will also offer in All-You-Can-Eat aspect… tell your what it is that you want for your next course and they’ll prepare it absolutely fresh for you!
Thaikula Thai-Chinese Fusion
I have been in this building dozens of times and I can’t believe I never once went downstairs… it’s an absolutely beautiful restaurant space with its own separate bar!
Thaikula has a higher end big city Asian hotel vibe to it…suitable for a casual dinner but also perfect for celebrating bigger events such as anniversaries.
In the future you may also see the lower level restaurant be made available for private events such as small weddings and other celebrations.
As mentioned the lower level has its own bar and there’s also a sophisticated sound and lighting system.
The Thaikula menu will feature all of the classic Chinese and Thai food dishes and more…. with every dish served with rice as well as a free beverage or spring roll. They also will be offering lunch deals.
Links and Location
Yucu Japanese (Opening Soon)510 White Horse Pike – Main LevelMagnolia, NJ
Thaikula 510 White Horse Pike – Lower LevelMagnolia, NJ