Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria

Name: Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria
Location: New York, NY

Formerly a lumber warehouse in the heart of NOHO, this urban space has been transformed into an italian restaurant and deli. serving sandwiches towards the front and breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the rear, the space is raw, romantic, and full of texture.

Image 1-4 © Tasting Table

Image 5-6 © Hither and thither

Double Dutch

Name:The Dutch NYC & The Dutch Miami
Location: New York & Miami
Design: Roman & Williams(NY), Meyer Davis Studio(Miami), Common Space(Graphics)

Today I'd love to share a double dose of Dutch. Originally designed for New York, the team behind The Dutch NY recently opened up it's second location, The Dutch Miami.
The New York location feels undeniably warmer, darker, and a bit more industrial while the Miami location is brighter, more streamlined, and a bit more contemporary. Both locations feel pulled together and represent seafood well but each does a great job incorporating its environment and location.

First, let's look at NY;

all images © Travel Modus

Next up, Miami;

all images © Meyer Davis Studio

Architectural Digest's Best New Restaurant Design

Recently, Architectural Digest released their top 12 list of innovative restaurant interiors. Here is a recap of our top three favorites off their list. Follow the links for even more information and photos about the design and spaces.


Name: Tori Tori 

Name: Isa

Name: Radio Restaurant

Check back next week for a few that didn't make the list, but probably should have.

Booking Office Restaurant & Bar

Name: Booking Office Restaurant & Bar
Location: London

Closed in 1935, The St Pancras Rail Station recently underwent a large restoration. The booking office bar & restaurant now showcases a beautiful mix of history, heritage, and prestige. With large, gothic arched windows, marble, dark wood, and high ceilings, the space feels historic and important while maintaining a level of classic warmth. Fitting with it's travel centric past, the space and design feel  stately and otherworldly, a destination in of itself but also a space that gives a nod to an era of luxury travel. The architecture in this space is breathtaking and I can only imagine the level of time, care, and money it took to restore this striking building to its former glory.

All images © Pursuitist

Hillside Farmacy

Name: Hillside Farmacy
Location: Austin, TX

Originally housing Austin's first African-American run pharmacy, the building has been transformed into a whimsical eatery rich with history and details. From the play on words name to the original wood cabinets housing restaurant staples, the entire space takes on an updated vintage feel. With a modern green, brown, and white exterior color scheme and interior with pops of deep aquamarine and goldenrod yellow, the space keeps it's rich heritage while welcoming a new clientele.

All images © Eater Austin

Barrio Chino

Name: Barrio Chino
Location: Sydney, Australia
Design: Mandy Edge Design

I love the gritty, rustic nature of Barrio Chino. Located in Sydney and designed to represent the Mexican cuisine and aesthetic, without going to stereotypical 'Mexican Restaurant'. the aged wall treatment, exposed brick, warm wood, and industrial accent all add to the level of refine-grittiness.

All images © Yellow Trace

Happy National Grilled Cheese Day

Today happens to be National Grilled Cheese Day and I, for one, am extremely happy about this. One of my favorite neighborhood lunch spots from my stint in San Francisco was The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen. They featured gourmet versions of your childhood favorites and they did not disappoint.  Take a look at their space and their sandwiches and be sure to stop by the next time you are in S.F.

Image 1 © Grub Street SF

Image 2- 7©American Grilled Cheese Facebook page

Cafe Foam

Name: Cafe Foam
Location: Stockholm
Design: Note

I love a good pop of pink as much as the next girl, but it has to be done correctly. The wrong tone or shade and the wrong application can completely ruin any good pink intention.
Cafe foam, located in Stockholm, created a cafe with vibrant pink splashed through. It's just enough to create a punch and some visual interest while allowing the blonde wood and scandinavian vibe to be aptly apparent. What do you think, too much?

All images © Dwell

Local Favorite: Balena

Name: Balena
Location: Chicago, IL
Design: Karen Herold/ 555 Int.

Having just opened this past Wednesday, Balena is easily one of the most anticipated opening in Chicago. With the sneak peak videos, take out pizza, and Karen Herold behind the wheel for design (Girl & the Goat), expectations where high and murmurs of what it would look like were everywhere.
The rustic and warm interior perfectly suits the rustic italian fare being presented. With a touch of vintage and warm wood beams and shelving, the space feels like it could be straight out of Italy, while the modern touches and metal bar surround help remind you of it's Chicago local.

All images © Eater Chicago

Handsome Coffee Roasters

Name: Handsome Coffee Roasters
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Architecture: Kari Richardson 
Design: Woodsmithe


Handsome Coffee Roasters, located in the arts district of LA encompasses some of my favorite elements for any hospitality/restaurant design; simplicity, natural materials & color palate, quality product, great branding and concept, and attention to details.
The subway tiles on the coffee bar are replicated in aged oak along the back wall and features a laser etched branding detail. I also love the glass walls separating the roasting from the coffee bar, allowing customers a visual connection to the art and process. By focusing in on the concept, they were able to keep the design simple and pure, allowing the coffee to shine in it's environment.

Image 1-3 © Hypebeast

Image 5 © Cool Hunting

Image 4,6 © selectism.com