Traditional Hong Kong diners inform interior of Bao Express in Paris

The French Gazebo, formerly Kathy’s Gazebo, has recently undergone a renovation and welcomed new ownership while maintaining its tradition of classic French cuisine. The restaurant, a forty-year fixture in the community, was acquired by Boca resident Anthony Crupi and Northeast restaurateur Steve Botta. The updated interior design features a prominent Tiffany blue color scheme, replacing the previous crimson and tufted booths. The dated wood accents have been removed, giving way to modern lines and new chandeliers, enhancing the establishment's elegant atmosphere. The removal of carpeting also contributes to the refreshed aesthetic. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by tuxedoed staff who assist with seating. A notable feature of the dining experience is the swiveling tables, designed to facilitate ease of access to the banquettes. An aperitif or glass of Champagne is offered, followed by a warm baguette. The culinary journey often begins with classic French appetizers, such as the escargot Bourguignone, priced at $18.95. This dish is presented with six spiraling shells, each filled with garlic butter, and is typically enjoyed with pieces of baguette to soak up the sauce. Another appetizer option, the crêpes royale, consists of thin crepes filled with crab, shrimp, scallops, and mushrooms, all served in a rich cream sauce. Despite its generous portion size, it is described as not overly filling, though a desire for warmer crepes was noted. The restaurant preserves its heritage by continuing to offer popular dishes like the Dover sole, a staple for decades, priced at $58.95. This dish is ceremoniously filleted tableside from a gueridon, with guests choosing between a brown butter meunière or a frothy amandine sauce. The amandine sauce, chosen in this review, is characterized by its buttery and delicate flavor profile, complemented by the slight crunch of sliced almonds. It is accompanied by mashed potatoes, described as indulgent. Another main course highlighted is the duckling, priced at $38.95, served with a daily changing sauce; on this occasion, it was an aromatic orange sauce infused with orange liqueur. The duckling's crispy skin and tender, moist meat were appreciated, though the proportion of bone to meat was a minor drawback. To conclude the meal, the dessert menu offers a range of traditional selections, including crème brulée and profiteroles, alongside more contemporary choices like Key lime pie and the housemade bread pudding. These desserts are presented as a fitting end to the dining experience, reinforcing the restaurant's commitment to classic French culinary offerings within its newly updated setting. The overall experience underscores the successful blending of traditional menu items with a modernized environment, aiming to continue the restaurant’s legacy in the community. #RestaurantReview #FrenchCuisine #FineDining #BocaRaton #Escargot #DoverSole #CrêpesRoyale #DiningExperience #InteriorDesign

Hermès has unveiled its latest flagship store in Hong Kong, designed by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI, setting a new standard for luxury retail interiors. The store, located at the corner of Prince’s Building on Ice House Street and Des Voeux Road, features a striking five-storey facade. This facade is conceptualized as a contemporary three-dimensional ‘forest’ composed of vertical copper-coloured aluminium slats, drawing inspiration from traditional local bamboo scaffolding. The interior spans three stories, offering 9,167 sq ft of retail space with two entrances. Natural bamboo is prominently used for caramel-toned parquet flooring and furnishings, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout. RDAI, a long-term collaborator with Hermès, has a history of designing over 300 interiors and architectural projects for the brand. The Hong Kong flagship, according to RDAI artistic director Denis Montel, maintains signature Hermès aesthetics, such as the Ex-Libris motif grey and gold mosaic flooring on the ground floor, while also imbuing the building with its own distinct personality. The predominantly open-plan interiors are thoughtfully segmented by discreet screens and displays. The design incorporates a balanced interplay of natural and subdued lighting, which enhances the rich and tactile materials used, including lacquered wood, leather, stucco, marble, and custom woven metal. The color palette is subtle and natural, transitioning from stone and burnt wood tones on the lower levels to lighter, more feminine champagne hues on the upper floors. Display cabinets are crafted from timber, and sleek metal rails are complemented by low-slung leather armchairs and sofas arranged in intimate salon-like settings, including a boudoir on the mezzanine. Montel explains that the layout cleverly addresses the building’s low ceilings and complex internal structure, which includes numerous concrete columns of varying sizes. This approach creates a sense of distinct, smaller spaces, avoiding the feeling of being in a vast, impersonal store, and instead fostering an atmosphere akin to a "maison" or home. Adding touches of French flamboyance, the third floor, dedicated to homewares, features a hand-stitched, leather-clad foosball table with meticulously hand-painted players. The store also showcases a collection of Hong Kong-exclusive limited-edition clutches, reflecting the city’s vibrant spirit with whimsical designs such as a birdcage, a skyline of skyscrapers, a cockatoo, and a horse’s head. Furthermore, the windows feature a colorful paper castle installation by Parisian artists Zim & Zou. Hermès CEO Alex Dumas emphasizes the desire for the store to feel welcoming and homelike in Hong Kong, reinforcing the brand's commitment to creating unique and inviting retail environments that blend luxury with local context. #Hermes #LuxuryRetail #HongKong #RDAIArchitecture #InteriorDesign #BoutiqueDesign #RetailArchitecture #LuxuryFashion #Materiality

This article offers an exclusive preview into the design and concept development of one of Bartolotta's upcoming French cafes at the Mayfair Collection, slated to open in 2016. The project represents a significant undertaking in Milwaukee's restaurant scene, showcasing the intricate planning and creative vision involved in bringing a new dining establishment to life. The featured French cafe aims to replicate the lively and inviting atmosphere of a Parisian sidewalk cafe. Strategically located to the west of the tavern and facing north towards the planned retail spaces and apartments within the Mayfair Collection, the cafe is designed to be a cozy gathering spot. It will emphasize friendly service and boast charming, stylish decor, creating an upscale yet casual and affordable dining experience, akin to a more relaxed version of Lake Park Bistro. The exterior design, conceptualized by Kahler Slater, will feature a clean, classic, and traditional aesthetic. This will be achieved through the use of black and white brick, complemented by retractable awnings and sidewalk planters. Amber MacCracken of Kahler Slater highlights that the design's definition lies in its meticulous details, such as exterior panel trim, awnings, and globe sconces, all contributing to a sense of Parisian charm. Inside, both the kitchen and the bar are envisioned as central features. The bar will be adorned with mirrored glass and a zinc bar top, drawing parallels to the sophisticated design found at Lake Park Bistro. The interior palette is described as sophisticated and neutral, with brass details and a bold color punch from the booth fabric providing accents. Tall windows and decorative trim will further enhance the traditional character of the design. The ceiling will incorporate tin decorative tiles and medallions, serving as bases for globe-style lighting. Wooden millwork will introduce warmth and richness, balancing the glass and metal fixtures throughout the space. Bistro-style curtains will dress the tall windows, while banquettes will be upholstered in a rich burgundy fabric. The dining area is planned to accommodate 110 bistro-style seats, arranged at white table-clothed wooden tables. Practical elements like coat hooks and hat baskets will be integrated into a half-wall, effectively separating the dining space from the open kitchen. The menu will offer a selection of salads and entrees, alongside an extensive wine list. A distinct feature will be a raw bar component, providing fresh oysters and shellfish to patrons. While many design and conceptual details have been finalized, certain aspects, such as the color of the range hood, specific dish patterns, the practicality of white table linens, and the official name of the restaurant, are still under consideration as the project progresses towards its opening. #FrenchCafe #RestaurantDesign #MayfairCollection #BartolottaRestaurants #KahlerSlater #InteriorDesign #DiningExperience #MilwaukeeRestaurants #ConceptDevelopment

Fabrique de Styles, a new retail destination in Paris's Madeleine district, has opened its doors, offering a vast selection of furniture, home decor, beauty products, and gourmet groceries. This concept store is designed to be a one-stop shop for individuals looking to enhance their living spaces with stylish and affordable items. The store emphasizes showcasing expert, trending, and accessible brands, all curated to deliver quality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. With over a hundred home brands featured, Fabrique de Styles provides a diverse range of products for various tastes and needs. A significant aspect of Fabrique de Styles' offering is its commitment to French craftsmanship, with 30% of its products being made in France. This focus allows customers to experience high-quality items firsthand, such as sofas, throws, and other home goods that have previously been available through their e-shop. The store encourages a tangible shopping experience, allowing customers to interact with products before purchasing, which is particularly beneficial for larger items like furniture. The product range at Fabrique de Styles is extensive and caters to a wide audience. For families, there are engaging items like oversized OMY coloring books designed to entertain children. Those looking to elevate their dining experiences can find stylish tableware from Home Deco Factory, a brand known for supplying prominent establishments in Paris. The store also offers decorative pieces such as the SEMA Design vase, providing subtle ways to convey personal messages or add character to a space. Beyond decorative elements, Fabrique de Styles stocks a variety of functional and lifestyle products. This includes textiles like rugs, curtains, and bedsheets, as well as a comprehensive selection of furniture, from sofas and coffee tables to headboards. Kitchenware, encompassing pots and various utensils, is also available. For personal well-being, the store offers beauty and care products such as soaps, massage gloves, and hairbrushes. Additionally, there is a dedicated section for gift ideas, allowing customers to find unique presents for themselves or others. Among the highlighted items are practical kitchen tools, such as the Jean Dubost knife set, and a gourmet grocery section featuring specialty food items. This includes organic French violet syrup from Bacanha and truffle-infused mustard from Savor & Sens. Fabrique de Styles is located at 18 Boulevard des Capucines, 75009 Paris, and operates Monday to Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, and Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm. The store's combination of variety, affordability, and a strong emphasis on quality and French-made products positions it as a significant new destination for home decor enthusiasts in the city. #HomeDecor #ConceptStore #ParisShopping #Furniture #InteriorDesign #FrenchCraftsmanship #LifestyleProducts #AffordableDecor #GourmetGroceries

In Situ & Partners, an international architectural and interior design firm, developed a sophisticated pied-à-terre in Hong Kong Central, featuring panoramic city views. The project integrates Japanese design principles with contemporary elegance, emphasizing a minimalist aesthetic. Yacine Bensalem, Principal at In Situ & Partners, highlighted that the "less is more" philosophy of Japanese design guided the project, resulting in a space defined by clean lines, natural materials, and a calming neutral color palette. The 2000-square-foot apartment offers a tranquil atmosphere from the moment of entry. The residence's primary living area is an expansive T-shaped space, thoughtfully divided into a dining room, living room, and a traditional tatami tea room. This layout facilitates distinct functional zones while maintaining an open feel. Light parquet flooring and warm wood cabinetry establish a cohesive backdrop, complemented by European design objects. To introduce fluidity, a custom rug with a wavy pattern, evoking Zen garden sand designs, was incorporated. All technological components are discreetly concealed within the ceiling to maintain an uncluttered aesthetic. Bensalem expressed appreciation for the interior's elegant rigor, noting its simplicity and strong connection to nature. Each element is harmoniously integrated to uphold the home’s aesthetic coherence. Adjacent to the living area, a studio space separated by a glass and wood screen provides a communal desk with city views, continuing the theme of natural elements. The kitchen features sleek, custom-made cabinetry in matte lacquer, aligning with the apartment's overall minimalist design. The primary bedroom is designed as a sanctuary, utilizing soft textiles and tranquil colors. Adhering to feng shui principles, a Japanese landscape silk painting is displayed above a custom-made fabric headboard, and the window ledge is upholstered in brown leather. The en-suite his and hers walk-in closets feature checkered glass doors and traditional washi paper accents, adding a refined touch. A highlight of the residence is the authentic Japanese-style primary bathroom, which features original fixtures and materials. A circular bathtub, crafted by Japanese artisans, is the focal point, surrounded by fragrant wood fluted panels and Italian Ceppo di Gre stone. This design element underscores the blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern luxurious materials, creating a unique and serene bathing experience. The overall design prioritizes harmony, functionality, and a seamless integration of cultural influences. #JapaneseDesign #HongKongApartment #PiedATerre #MinimalistInterior #InSituAndPartners #TatamiTeaRoom #ZenGardenInspired #NaturalMaterials #FengShui

The article explores the growing trend of bistro-style kitchens, highlighting their increasing popularity in contemporary interior design. It notes that this style, which draws inspiration from classic French bistros and cafes, is gaining significant traction, moving away from previously dominant sterile modern aesthetics towards a softer, more inviting atmosphere. The author expresses enthusiasm for this trend, particularly as a comforting element during colder months. The article categorizes bistro kitchen designs into several distinct styles, beginning with the "Butter Yellow Country Bistro Kitchen." This style emphasizes a rustic, French countryside charm, characterized by elements such as copper cookware, butter-yellow cabinetry, and traditional appliances like the Aga range cooker. Georgina Cave, director of Cave Interiors, explains that the core of a bistro kitchen is to create a welcoming, relaxed, intimate, and highly functional space. This approach favors quality materials with natural finishes, avoiding ostentation. The focus is on incorporating vintage finds like pottery, ceramics, and well-loved kitchenware to create an authentically lived-in look. Materials like painted units, reclaimed wood worktops, natural marble accents, and classic Delft or hand-glazed tiles are recommended to add textural richness and understated elegance. Next, the article discusses the "Scandi-Style Bistro Kitchen," which adapts bistro elements to fit a more minimalist aesthetic. Jonna Karlsson, kitchen designer at Nordiska Kök, highlights that a bistro kitchen can incorporate a breakfast nook, a built-in bench, or a small corner with a café-style feel. The key is to create a smaller, defined, and cozy area within the kitchen. This can be achieved with café chairs, small round tables, open shelving, and café-inspired decor. The example provided features a black leather seating area integrated into a wall recess, which adds intimacy and coziness, suitable for both small spaces and creating a "room within a room" effect in larger kitchens. The "Chefs Bistro Kitchen" style is then explored, driven by a fascination with professional culinary spaces, possibly influenced by shows like 'The Bear'. This design integrates stainless steel cabinetry and marble counters to achieve a sleek, professional look, while architectural features like crown molding help soften the industrial aesthetic. Sam Hart, senior designer at Roundhouse, describes this style as a practical yet beautifully engineered chef's kitchen, where form and function are equally prioritized. Stainless steel is favored for its hygiene and ease of cleaning, and its neutral finish allows it to blend seamlessly with other materials like timber or painted finishes, creating a balanced design. The "Parisian Style Bistro Kitchen" emphasizes the romantic and cozy aspects of bistro culture, featuring elements such as candlelit ambiance and soft lighting. This style often incorporates banquette seating, which provides comfortable seating and storage, creating a dedicated, welcoming, and cocoon-like vignette. Helen Parker from deVOL Kitchens suggests using fitted bench seats, often in warm tones like pink, paired with iconic seating like the Bentwood Café Chair. A simple café curtain on a brass rail completes this classic Parisian look. Parker notes the versatility of the Bentwood Café Chair, which fits into various decors due to its humble yet iconic design. Finally, the article touches upon how "Minimalism Meets Bistro Kitchen" demonstrates that the bistro trend can be adapted for minimalist interiors. This involves selective incorporation of key elements rather than a full-blown theme. Jonna Karlsson advises choosing appropriate furniture, such as small café tables in wood or marble paired with classic café chairs, and built-in benches to save space and enhance coziness. The integration of modern materials with carefully selected vintage pieces is crucial. Dark wood, like stained oak, brings warmth, while natural stone develops a beautiful patina. Metal chairs and leather-upholstered benches further contribute to the desired atmosphere. The article concludes by noting the broader "cafe-core kitchen" trend as another related inspiration in kitchen design. #BistroKitchens #KitchenDesign #InteriorTrends #FrenchCountryStyle #ScandiDesign #ChefsKitchen #ParisianStyle #MinimalistKitchen #HomeDecor

Dorothée Meilichzon, a French interior designer, transformed the Henrietta Hotel's ground-floor restaurant in London into Henri, a space that fuses Parisian bistro aesthetics with British pub characteristics. Located in a 19th-century Covent Garden townhouse, Henri serves French dishes with British ingredients, reflecting a blend of culinary traditions. Meilichzon's design for Henri mirrors this fusion, incorporating art nouveau elements typical of French brasseries alongside the oakwood paneling and leather upholstery found in British public houses. Upon entering, guests encounter an informal bar area featuring red Coralito marble counters, where snacks and aperitifs are served. The lighting scheme in this area includes bulbous brass lights and table lamps with plum blossom-inspired scalloped shades, creating a dimly lit ambiance. This choice of lighting pays homage to Covent Garden's history as a fruit and vegetable market. The cozy pub atmosphere is further enhanced by forest-green paint, dark timber wainscoting, and a bar fitted with leather-upholstered stools. Belle Epoque details, such as spherical lights and gridded mirrored panels, are integrated to ensure a visual flow between the bar and the main dining room. Meilichzon specifically designed custom seating banquettes for Henri, some featuring decoratively curved backrests and concealed cutlery storage. The designer noted the inclusion of art nouveau elements, such as the detailing on the banquette arms, frosted glass globes, Thonet chairs, and bespoke organic suspensions, all contributing to the brasserie-like feel. Despite the restaurant's compact size, a variety of seating arrangements are accommodated. Near the entrance, smaller booths upholstered in duck-egg blue leather and velvet, framed in a darker midnight hue, offer an intimate setting. As the space expands towards the open kitchen at the rear, the design transitions to a warmer color palette. This area features terracotta wall tiles and larger banquettes, upholstered in rust-colored velvet with glossy red arms and backrests, suitable for group dining. The dining experience is complemented by custom-made marble-topped tables with dramatic skirts and classic bentwood bistro chairs from Thonet. The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of artworks, photographs, framed mirrors, and blackboards displaying daily specials, adding to the restaurant's decorative appeal. One notable design decision was the retention of the restaurant's existing floral ceiling murals, hand-painted by French artists. These murals provide a contrast to the structured grid of the honeycomb parquet flooring below. Henri represents another collaboration between Meilichzon and Experimental Group, a French hospitality firm for whom she has previously designed hotels in various locations including Venice, Ibiza, Biarritz, and the Cotswolds. The interior design successfully blends different cultural and historical styles to create a unique and inviting dining environment in London. #InteriorDesign #RestaurantInterior #LondonHospitality #FrenchBrasserie #BritishPub #ArtNouveau #CustomFurniture #DorotheeMeilichzon #HenriRestaurant

This blog post presents a curated tour of Hong Kong, highlighting its vibrant cultural, design, and culinary scenes, following the relaxation of its border controls. The city has maintained its cosmopolitan identity, offering a diverse array of experiences ranging from cutting-edge art exhibitions to innovative dining concepts and sustainable farming initiatives. The tour is guided by TF Chan, a Hong Kong-born editor, providing an insider's perspective on the city's latest attractions. The journey begins with a visit to Café Carlyle, located on the 56th floor of the Rosewood Hong Kong hotel. This establishment, designed with chic interiors by Studioilse and adorned with murals by Jean-Philippe Delhomme, pays homage to the iconic New York cabaret club. It serves as a sophisticated venue for dining and entertainment, featuring a diverse calendar of musical performances. Next, the M+ museum, a Herzog & de Meuron-designed cultural landmark, hosts a significant Yayoi Kusama exhibition, marking the artist's largest Asian retrospective outside Japan. The exhibition showcases her renowned Infinity Nets, kaleidoscopic chambers with mirrors and polka dots, and signature Pumpkin sculptures. Sustainability is explored through Common Farms, a pioneering vertical farming operation led by Jessica Naomi Fong. This initiative addresses Hong Kong's reliance on imported food by utilizing nutrient-rich soil and aquaponics to produce significantly more crops than traditional farming methods, with minimal water usage. Common Farms supplies local restaurants and operates a pop-up, Re:Farm, at K11 Musea. The tour also features The Magistracy, a former supreme court reimagined by designer Joyce Wang into a culinary destination. Its Dining Room evokes historic London restaurants with leather banquettes and golden lamps, offering a seafood-focused menu. The adjacent Botanical Garden provides a gin and tonic experience reminiscent of English manors. For an immersive art experience, ‘Eternal Nature’ at Arte M, created by Seoul-based digital design company D’strict, offers a sensory feast with visuals of camellias, aurora borealis, and bioluminescent rainforests, combined with surround sound and scent. Culinary delights continue at Hansik Goo, a Michelin-starred restaurant by South Korean chef Mingoo Kang. The restaurant offers a bold interpretation of Korean cuisine through a tasting menu featuring dishes like bean noodles with sea urchin and ginseng soup with duck and chicken roulade. The minimalist interior, designed by Area+, incorporates elements of a traditional Korean hearth and showcases artworks by Lee Bae and Chung Chang-sup. For those seeking a sophisticated evening, Uncle Ming’s whisky bar, situated on the 25th floor of the AKI Hong Kong-MGallery hotel, provides an extensive selection of whiskies with panoramic skyline views. The bar's design by A Work of Substance features backlit shelving and rippled glass panels. Finally, André Fu Living, the flagship store of local interior architect André Fu, located in the Heatherwick Studio-designed Pacific Place, offers exquisite furniture and accessories inspired by Chinese ink painting and 1960s modernist architecture, with a store design referencing a Kyoto temple. #HongKong #TravelGuide #Design #ArtAndCulture #DiningExperience #VerticalFarming #LuxuryInteriors #WhiskyBar #ImmersiveArt #MichelinStarCuisine

Café Shin, a Korean-inspired specialty coffee shop located on Rue des Petites-Écuries in Paris, represents a unique cross-cultural collaboration between French chef Julien Sebbag and South Korean pastry chef Eun Jung Shin Akrich. The interior design, crafted by the French collective Uchronia, seamlessly blends the distinct aesthetics of Parisian and Seoulite coffee cultures, creating a vibrant and welcoming space. Paris is renowned for its classic, cozy sidewalk cafes, characterized by wood-paneled interiors, vintage mirrors, and round tables. In contrast, Seoul's cafes are known for their soft-minimalist approach, utilizing concrete, natural materials, and a spartan design sensibility. Café Shin successfully bridges these two styles, offering a fresh take on the traditional Parisian café while incorporating Korean design elements. From the exterior, Café Shin presents a familiar Parisian facade, featuring large shop windows ideal for people-watching and clear signage in both French and Korean. Tiled panels beneath the glass windows offer a hint of the interior design, a material that is significantly expanded upon inside. Upon entering, the influence of Seoul's minimalist cafe aesthetic becomes apparent. The central feature is the coffee counter and open kitchen, constructed from light wood and traditional Korean washi paper, which forms a Hanok-inspired roof structure. This design choice pays homage to traditional Korean architecture, bringing a sense of cultural heritage into the modern Parisian setting. The lower section of the bar introduces an industrial touch with reflective hammered metal sheets, a subtle reinterpretation of the brass accents often found in classic French bistros. This element is complemented by chunky bar stools designed by Oryu Elements, which are crafted from ash and stained in soft pastel shades. These brightly colored stools are distributed throughout the interior and extend to the pavement outside, creating a cohesive visual flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. A distinctive tiled seating nook, inspired by a traditional Korean bathhouse, further enhances the cafe's cross-cultural theme. This area is adorned with inky ombre tiles from Palet, which also line shelves and wall-mounted counters. These dark, rich tiles provide a striking contrast to the predominantly white walls and concrete floor of the main cafe area, adding depth and visual interest to the space. The overall design harmoniously integrates these diverse influences, resulting in a cafe that feels both contemporary and rooted in its cultural inspirations, offering a unique experience that combines the charm of Paris with the modern elegance of Seoul. #CafeDesign #KoreanDesign #ParisianCafe #InteriorDesign #Uchronia #SeoulCafeCulture #CrossCulturalDesign #SpecialtyCoffee #JulienSebbag