From Los Pollos Hermanos to Albertsons deli green beans to pizza on the roof to Walt Jr.’s breakfast gluttony to awkward table-side guacamole prep, food played an important supporting role in “Breaking Bad.”
So maybe it’s little surprise that although the series finale aired nearly two years ago, the spirit of the greatest TV show of all time (some say) lives on in the form of novelty food and drink experiences in Turkey and the UK.
Themed cafe Walter’s Coffee Roastery opened in Istanbul in March after a Kickstarter campaign.
Founder Deniz Kozan, a German native, originally planned to launch in Brooklyn, but after an investor backed out New York’s loss was Istanbul’s gain.
Staff wear yellow hazmat suits and gas masks similar to those worn in the show by crystal meth kingpin Walter White and his sidekick, Jesse Pinkman.
Customers can nibble on blue rock candy and “crystal”-topped cupcakes, with coffee served in beakers, while seated under a giant Periodic Table painted on the wall.
The Walter Breakfasts, hearty enough to satisfy Walt Jr. himself, are a specialty.
There are huge bean holders styled after Walt’s chemical tanks, and visitors can buy bags of #BreakingBeans to take home.
There’s no international shipping available as yet, but the cafe has promised to announce details on social media as soon as it becomes available.
You might be wondering if the cafe has copyright clearance for all this.
The answer is: no.
The cafe says it’s merely inspired by the show, and has been careful to avoid any breach of copyrighted material.
Like Walter White himself, they have their eyes on an empire.
They hope to expand the operation in Turkey, and eventually to Europe and the United States.
How long can love affair last?
Is love for “Breaking Bad” so strong that customers will continue to head to namesake cafes after the original novelty has worn off, and as memories of Walt and Jesse fade?
In London, pop-up bar/laboratory ABQ (as in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the setting of the show) is taking a more cautious approach.
It’s offering customers “cocktails and chemicals” for three months over the summer.
A £30 ticket ($47) gets you a two-hour session in a customized motor home where drinkers don jumpsuits and “cook” up their own cocktails.
Drinks include “Blue Flynn” cocktails and Crystal Bombs with Creme de Mure Caviar.
ABQ London was created by the people behind London neighborhood app Locappy.
The bar opened on July 24 and tickets for the first two months sold out in just three days.
It’s now completely sold out for its three-month run, but Locappy founder Seb Lyall tells us that some reserved tickets will be released through their app.
So, it might still be possible to have an A1 day.
Or at least a meal.
ABQ, 80 Eastway, Victoria Park, E9 5JH, London, UK
