Bowery to Williamsburg

Name: Bowery to Williamsburg
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Di & Will Keser (Owners)


With the opening of its second location, Bowery to Williamsburg brings even more Bowery subway station-inspired, Americana sandwich shop goodness to Melbourne. This second location found its home directly across the street from their other spot, Hardware Society, in the original Beetroot space.




I love the initiate, shotgun style space. Given the space restrictions, it make sense Bowery to Williamsburg is reusing the communal layout used with previous tenant Brothl. The working kitchen and prep space interact with the dining space and encourage an engaged and interactive dining experience. 

 All images via Broadsheet.com

Zito's Sandwich Shoppe

Name: Zito's Sandwich Shoppe
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Design & Identity: Tag Collective


Located in Park Slope, Zitto's modern-industrial space features the perfect amount of Italian heritage.




Classic white subway tile, mercantile shelving, and pipe shelving all cement Zitto's as a modern Italian deli while the hung bulbs of garlic and salumi keep the authenticity alive and pay tribute to the classic Italian delis of New York's past. 


All Images @ Tag Collective

Tremont

Name: Tremont
Location: New York, NY
Architecture: CCS


Located in New York's West Village, Tremont is a space that fits right in within the trend but established neighborhood. 






Utilizing a neutral palate and classic architectural details gives the space a rich interior that feels timeless but sophisticated.


Graphic artwork, and intimate seating groups creates warmth and community within the small space.


Images 1-3 © Tremont
Images 4,5 © CCS

ilili Box

Name: Ilili Box
Location: New York, NY
Design: Unkown


Every once in a while a concept will come along that is all together refreshing. ilili Box's take on modular construction and pop-up shop lunches is just the breath of fresh air their trends needed. 


 
I love the updated and refined twist on the shipping container as well as the mixed material use that breaks up the structure.  Keeping the color palate simple keeps the concept fresh and modern while simultaneously playing with current trend and classic lines. 


Image 1 c Old Brand New
Image 2 c New York Times

Vinatería

Name: Vinatería
Location: Harlem, NYC
Design Jonsara Ruth


Vinatería is a great example of vintage made new again; but in a pulled together and thought through manner. 





More often than not, reclaimed and repurposed can typically mean it looks like you are walking into a flea market. With Vinatería, a little color helped provide cohesion between the elements and furniture and gave it a cohesive feel. 



With the chairs getting half dipped (some on top, others on bottom), metal screens providing both entry doors and pattern play, and warm woods providing a warm, lived in feel, the space is comfortable but curated. 


All images © Nytimes

Elbow Room

Name: Elbow Room
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Graphic Design: mgmt. design
Interior: Greg Yang Design


I love it when the graphic design, identity, and interior all come together to form a cohesive space and presentation. The Elbow Room restaurants are a great example of this cohesive and thought through design. 




Using simple materials, the very trendy pixilated graphics, and typography that ties back to the noodles being served, the entire space comes together to create a minimalist but warm space. 


Once again, using a restricted color palate; this time yellow, black, and white, creates instant cohesion while tying into the iconic cheesy color so many of us recognize and love. 


All images © Behance

The East Pole

Name: The East Pole
Location: New York, NY
Design: Phil Winser

Intimate and warm, the interior of The East Pole is both industrial and nautical in a way that is neither themed or blatantly apparent. 




The low ceilings add to the intimate nature of the space giving it an almost vessel-like feeling that works well with the nautical touches. 




Using walnut, marble and black iron gives the space a classic feel allowing it to be polished with subtle industrial and nautical notes. 


All photos © The East Pole


Nights and Weekends

Name: Nights and Weekends
Location: Brooklyn, NY

 Nights and Weekends is a small cuban spot with the classic 'Brooklyn' feel. Warm, inviting, and comfortable are all words that come to mind when thinking about this local spot. 




I love the patina and texture on the walls as it gives the entire space a vintage/ lived in atmosphere.  The industrial back bar allows for ample storage while enhancing the casual atmosphere. 


The simple, industrial furnishings give it just a touch of attitude, establishing the perfect laid back and welcoming atmosphere. 


The triangular footprint of the space means most of the seating can be found along the walls, leaving the interior largely open; a great benefit for late night bar crowds. The space also features large windows opening up to the outside. Vintage stools attached to the exterior allow guests to sit outside while minting the connection to the interior and bar. 




Mighty Quinn's

Name: Mighty Quinn's
Location: New York, NY



Mighty Quinn's has taken barbecue into a new realm in NYC; allowing great products in a great atmosphere while still keeping quick service. The monochromatic palate and limited material usage allows for a cohesive and simple space that still feels on trend.






The reclaimed wood tables were created from salvaged wood from The Puck building in downtown NYC and add a level of warmth to the space. Balancing the wood with metal and gray keeps the space relevant and timeless. 


All images © Eater NY

James Beard Awards 2013




Just like many others in the food industry, May 6th was spent live streaming & refreshing every social media outlet to get the play by play of the annual James Beard Awards!

While many were awarded, we are always more interested in those that deliver the full package;  great chef, great food, and well designed spaces. Take a look at a few of our favorite winners, after the jump.


*For additional photos, click the photos below.

Best Restaurant Design- under 75 seats
Name: Isa
Location: New York
Design: Taavo Somer





Best Chef in America; Midwest
Name: Stephanie Izard
Restaurant: Girl & the Goat/ Little Goat Bread






Best New Restaurant
Name: State Bird Provisions
Location: San Francisco, CA


Outstanding Chef
Name: Paul Kahan
Restaurants: Blackbird/ Avec/ Publican/ PQM