Hotel Fontevraud

Name: Hotel Fontevraud
Location: Loire Valley
Design: Patrick Jouin

To say that Hotel Fontevraud has a rich history would be an understatement. Constructed between 1101 and 1119 as an Fontevraud Abbey, hosting both Monks and Nuns. The order was dissolved during the French Revolution(1792) and was habituated again in 1804 as a prison. Serving as a prison for 159 years, the Abbey was handed over in 1963 and restoration work began to return it to it's former self. The current vision for Hotel Fontevraud is a 'Cité Idéal' or the intersection of intellect and culture by providing hospitality for guests.  

With this new chapter comes a new restaurant that celebrates its past while firmly establishing it's future. 

Beasley's Chicken + Honey

Name: Beasley's Chicken + Honey
Location: Raleigh, NC
Design: Unknown
Graphic Design: Joshua Gajownik

When looking for restaurants to feature on the blog, I am more often than not scouring through ten to twenty spaces before finding one that is inspiration worthy. Usually, I get so excited when I find something beautifully designed and worth sharing, that I often forget the others that sadly fell short. 

Beasley's is an example of a space I am finding all too common in the industry today. It is a space that forces me to ask myself, "Where is the design?"

Let me explain after the jump.

Scarpetta Dining Pavilion

Name: Scarpetta Dining Pavilion
Location: Toronto, Canada
Design: gh3, II by IV Design

New York based restaurant, Scarpetta, recently completed it's first international expansion into the city of Toronto. Wishing to create a new dining concept where guests can 'see and be seen', the dining pavilion surely accomplishes it's directives.

  

New York based restaurant, Scarpetta, recently completed it's first international expansion into the city of Toronto. Wishing to create a new dining concept where guests can 'see and be seen', the dining pavilion surely accomplishes it's directives.

Baker D.Chirico

Name: Baker D. Chirico
Location: Australia
Design: March Studio
Branding/Logo: Fabio Ongarato Design

At the office, we swoon anytime we see a great, cohesive concept. Baker D. Chirico nailed it. Keeping the palate clean and limiting it's colors to black, white, and blonde keeps the interior space and branding fresh and allows for a juxtaposition between tradition and modern. Allowing the bread storage to be an architectural and sculptural fixture gives the space a feeling of the unexpected and keeps the concept unique.

All photos © ID via Peter Bernnetts

Firefly Grill

Name: Firefly Grill
Location: Effingham, IL

Styled after the traditional midwest barn, the Firefly Grill features a reclaimed wood facade with metal roof. Considered a modern roadhouse, Firefly has been creating local and organic food long before it was ever popular. The interior is outfitted with simple wood and metal furnishings and large vaulted ceilings in the main dining space. The space also features large walls of windows connecting the indoors and outdoors and has outdoor patio seating located on the dock to the lake. The homage payed to the traditional midwest barn is what truly excites me about the Firefly. With such a beautiful setting and wonderfully updated barn vernacular, how can you not enjoy your visit.

Photo 1-2 © Trip Advisor

Photos 3-5 © World Architects

Tori-Tori

Name: Tori-Tori
Location: Mexico City
Design/Architecture: Rojkind Arquitectos & ESRAWE Studio

This spectacular building is  home to what is considered, one of the best Japanese restaurants in Mexico City. The organic and semi-transparent double walled facade, acts to create a natural extension from inside to outside. The interior of the space features dining spaces set amongst plush foliage and were designed in collaboration with the buildings facade and openings. The texture and filtration of natural light, along with the creation of shadows and views, allows diners a different experience depending on the area they are dining in and the time of day. I can only image the experience diners receive as they approach and enter the space. This is truly a great example of an organic connection between inside and outside.

All photos via © Paúl Rivera via Archdaily

A new meaning for 'coffee to go'

Name: illy coffee
Location: almost anywhere
Designer: Adam Kalkin

I love when boundaries are shattered and limits are pushed in architecture and design. Back in 2007, Adam Kalkin created a mobile solution from recycled and over abundant materials, for a home unit that could be folded down in a mere 90seconds. To further the design (and fun!) he teamed up with illy to create a mobile coffee unit. Whether you personally like the shipping container craze or not, you can't deny that this quirky solution, is anything but wonderfully eccentric and unique. While the solution might not be perfect, the space planning and design that went into this concept are admirable.

To see a video of the crate opening take a look at Architecture and Hygiene

All photos © G Living

Busaba Eathai

Name: Busaba Eathai
Location: London
Designer: David Archer Architects & lighting by Firefly Lighting

A stunning use of scale and wood. I love the monotone palate with warm lighting flooding over each large table.  I also enjoy that despite the grand scale of architecture, the interior feels intimate and warm. Proof that simplicity and attention to details can go far to create a much grander experience.

Images © Retail Design blog