Featured Image:Treat yourself to Urban Hot Pot at 613 Volvo Parkway in Chesapeake, Va. Mikayla Moscatelli | Marlin Chronicle
Fresh to the Hampton Roads area is a new Hot Pot restaurant. Urban Hot Pot opened up in April of this year and has continued to be a hit. Each night their tables are full of patrons waiting to indulge in the delicious soup bases, various meats, seafood, vegetables and noodle options. As patrons walk in the glass doors towards the bright white sign with the iconic logo, they will find hostesses are patiently waiting to greet customers. The ambiance in the restaurant is like no other. They have a mixture of modern day hits and Korean pop songs playing. Dimmed lights and large windows bring in the right amount of lighting to make the perfect dining experience.
When customers are seated, staff go over the menu. If you haven’t been to their restaurant, they will explain how everything works and will offer some advice on what to try first if you are completely new to hot pot in general.
This is the fourth restaurant in the Hot Pot chain, but it is the closest to the Hampton Roads community. They have 90 minute timed seating, and it is all you can eat, with the total cost per person being $31.99. They do have special items that are not included in the all you can eat. Some non-alcoholic beverages are $3.99 while alcoholic beverages have a higher price range. They do have some random food items outside the buffet menu, whether it is meats, noodles and desserts that are priced at $3.99 as well.
They have a completely different experience from going to other restaurants, with an iPad set up at every table. You can order everything in one go, then they will almost immediately be on their way with your order. One of the robots brings your drinks over to your table from the front of the restaurant while the servers come from the back with your soup pots and various meats, veggies and side dishes.
They periodically walk by and ask if you need more broth or if you need a refill but if you don’t see anyone there is a button on the iPads that can call your server for more broth and refills, if you haven’t received an item or for you to get the check.
This restaurant makes it easier, in my opinion, for individuals who struggle with social anxiety. It cuts back on the social interaction required of individuals when they are trying to order food and drinks. Personally, I struggle with figuring out what I want to eat, so when I am in a restaurant I take the longest to figure out what I want. By involving technology in place of a waiter, individuals are given the chance to view the items and to order when they are ready.
Mikayla Moscatelli
