The Greenwich Hotel

Name: The Greenwich Hotel & The Locanda Verde

Location: New York

Designer: Grayling Design

The Greenwich Hotel is located in Tribeca. Situated on a corner lot, the brick-clad exterior feels as warm and comfortable as the interior. Featuring rich woods, oriental rugs and traditional lined furnishings- the space feels warm, inviting and comfortable. The same feeling is carried through to the hotel's restaurant; Locanda Verde. Metal work, dimly lit by industrial pendants and saturated by warm brick and wood the interior complements the home-spun and approachable italian menu. (One last interesting tidbit- it's owner is Robert DeNiro)

all photos © The Greenwich Hotel

Ruxbin

Name: Ruxbin
Location: Chicago, IL

Another restaurant listed on Bon Appetites best new restaurant list was Chicago's own; Ruxbin. I'm still not 100% on board with the final design, however with it's landing on the best new list, I thought it was worth showcasing to see what your thoughts were on the space.

I love the idea and theory behind the space. Reclaimed, recycled and renewed- I can completely jump on board with that one. I think this design style especially works with small businesses, it can help keep cost low and can provide a great warmth and character to the space. I also love the sustainable aspect of reuse, recycled and reclaimed.

I  admire the warmth and sepia tone of the space but I find that I enjoy single elements, rather than the whole concept. Those vintage chairs-love, the repurposing of chairs as light fixtures-love, the adaptive reuse of a dj booth as a division for the long narrow space-love. Bring these elements together though and something is missing. The cohesion seems lost.

Image 1,4 © Ruxbin

Image 2 © Star chefs

Image 3 © Bon Appetit 

Bodega Tapas Restaurant & Bar

Name: Bodega Tapas Restaurant and Bar
Location: Australia

This small restaurant and bar space is the perfect example of bold color and texture. I love the bright pops on the front wall, side wall mural and ceiling, as well as the beautiful texture and pattern created on the bar.  I also enjoy the use of multiple seating group types. It allows a bit of something for everyone and lets the space be a perfect neighborhood gathering space.

 Photos 1&2 via Bodega Tapas

Photo 3 via Not quite nigella

Mad Cow

Name: Mad Cow at the Ivy
Location: Australia


Located in Sydney, Mad Cow is a bright and cheerful addition to The Ivy. With a color palate of white, yellow and green the interior feel fresh and energetic. The wicker furniture, over scaled drum fixtures and slivers of faux grass give the space a Palm Springs vibe without feeling too kitschy.

Image 3 © Eat Show and Tell

Congress; Second Bar + Kitchen

Name: Congress- Second Bar + Kitchen
Location: Austin, TX

Another from Bon Appetit Best New list of 2011 is Congress, located in Austin Texas. Congress consists of three parts that all work together and yet independent at the same time. The best of the three, in my view, is second bar + Kitchen. More casual than the others, it manages to keep an urban yet sophisticated feel. The scale of the large pendant fixtures and the division of space catch my eye and I love the use of the tolix stools in a more refined setting along with the other industrial linear fixtures mounted above the main dining space.

Image 1 © Bon Appetit

Image 2 © Second Bar + Kitchen

Image 3 © statesman
Custom Bar Stools provided by: Gary Weeks & Company

Local Favorite: La Colombe

Name: La Colombe
Location: Chicago, IL

La Colombe is a coffee roaster that started in Philadelphia and now has locations in Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Their newest location in Chicago is one of my personal favorites for grabbing a perfectly poured cappuccino and catching up with friends.

The space features slate blue and fire red subway tiles contrasted by exposed beams, polished organic wood furniture hand crafted by Octo Studios in Philadelphia. For an added bonus, I recommend stopping by on a day they are roasting. Roasting happens right in the shop and adds a heavenly aroma and wonderful visual to the experience.

Images © Kaper Design

Husk

Name: Husk
Location: Charleston, SC

Husk is another Bon Appetit Magazine top restaurant for 2011. The first image truly expresses the feeling of the space, "Historic Roots Modern Disposition". Located in a very classic, plantation style Charleston structure, the restaurant focuses heavily on local farms and sustainability. (I highly encourage everyone to take a look at their website, it is highly interactive and showcases the seasonal products they are using and the farms they are getting them from.) I adore the logo and branding of Husk and love that it continues the idea of fork to fork from the moment you walk through the doors.

Image 1,3-5@ Husk

Image 2@ Flickr

Sparkle Cupcakery

Name: Sparkle Cupcakery
Location: Sydney, Australia
Designer: Borrell Design

Here is a little dose of sweetness to get you to the weekend. Sparkle Cupcakery, located in Sydney, has the most amazing retail location! The monotone color palate, high contrast and reflective surfaces is bright, energizing and extremely chic. The cupcakes don't too look bad themselves, though!

Image 1,4,5© Borrell Design

Image 2&3 © Sparkle Cupcakery

Talula's Garden

Name: Talula's Garden
Location: Philadelphia, PA

I adore this rustic and charming spot located in the heart of downtown Philly! Recently named as one of the  best new restaurants for 2011 by Bon Appetit, I can see how this gem would easily win them over. The food is kept simple and fresh and all of the dishes are inspired by the farm and the garden. What truly won me over though, was the relaxed and intimate environment produced by the use of natural, raw-edged wood paired with concrete and lush vegetation. The mix produces a organic feel and the mis-matched chairs and strung lights add to casual and friendly environment. Despite your style preferences, the best restaurants and dining experiences truly are those where the food compliments the environment and the environment matches the food.

P.S.- Check out the stunning herringbone floors located on the interior of the space.

Images 1-3 © Talula's Garden

Image 4 © Hey lady!

Image 5 © Phillydesign

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Name: The Walrus and the Carpenter

Location: Seattle, WA

Seattle is one of those places that I've wanted to get to forever. For whatever reason though, I just never make it up there, no matter how close I am. After seeing images from The walrus and the Carpenter, a new oyster bar, I may need to make a point of getting over there sooner rather than later.

The restaurants name came from the Lewis Carroll poem and much like the poem, the space evokes a sense of happiness, warmth and light-heartedness. The distressed wood floors and reclaimed materials add to the casual warmth of the space, while the painted metal stools, light fixture and custom zinc bar add a bit of whimsy and fun into the space. Set beautiful and plentiful oysters in this settings and you have the perfect neighborhood spot.

All photos ©The Walrus and the Carpenter