Restaurant Design!

Many of you out there are into home design but I wonder what your thoughts are when it comes to restaurant interiors. A friend of mine, Chef Jesus Seoane, has just taken over the kitchen at this fabulous new restaurant, Barça, in Hartford, Connecticut. It's located in a renovated factory space turned design center with residential loft apartments that are absolutely gorgeous. (I know, I've had the tour!) Let's face it, Hartford is not a bustling metropolis à la New York, San Fran, or even Baltimore, (BTW, I love Baltimore), and restaurant design is usually limited to small store front type spaces. Additionally, Hartford has it's share of urban issues and launching any business here, especially a restaurant, is a leap of faith. Fortunately, developer Carlos Mouta, an area real estate mogul/restaurateur has hedged his bets on Hartford! Did I mention the food is fab!

Chef Jesus Seoane


Paella for one - yum!

Another creative Connecticut restaurant: Still River Cafe in Eastford, CT

14 comments:

High Desert Diva said...

I love a well designed restaurant.

Wall decor, lighting, comfortable seating, semi-privacy, acoustics... they all play a role and can accentuate the food.

heidi said...

design...whatever. That paella looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!! It's making me drool.

StaroftheEast said...

It looks awesome, hope it will be a big succes despite its location. Maybe people will see it as a a little heaven over there :)

SandraRee said...

Wow!! The decor is stunning!

Robin said...

Did you tell Jesus that all these hot blogger babes would be checking out his photo?

Laura in Paris said...

I have just sent this info to friends who live near New Haven. The decor looks fantastic! I wil make sure I visit Jesus's restuarant when I next come to the East coast - tight now I'm in LA!!

Marie Louise said...

Robin - I'm sure Jesus would be pleased that he is the topic of conversation. He actually did suggest that I mention he is single. Anyone have any friends - nothing like a guy who can cook!

Pan - yes, send your friends! New Haven is about 35 minutes from Hartford. There's actually lot to do in town - they can check out letsgoarts.org for area events.

Heidi - I will send some Paella overnight - also planning on coming to the North Fork sometime this summer - I'll bring some along and meet you in the middle!

Mrs.French said...

Wonderful design! The food looks just as fabulous, wish it wasn't so far away!

Lydee said...

oh it looks wonderful!

please sir said...

Such a neat design - very Spainish influenced. Love it!

Lu. Lu. said...

Every time I go eat at a restaurant that has very few colors & decor, I am always imagining what I would do to the decor to make it look amazing. and I'm all about some colors...there are so many restaurants and businesses out there that have so much potential! anyways this design is great...and I agree that the paella is looking pretty scrumptious.

OzBurger said...

I have replied to your comment on this post.

http://blog.jdonuts.com/2008/07/and-im-back.html

Please delete this comment.

Pratishtha Durga said...

I think color plays an important role in setting the mood, especially when it comes to a restaurant. I love the look, and the food looks great!

Hey Harriet said...

The style of this restaurant has such a sense of fun about it. Certainly looks like it would be a really enjoyable place to gather with friends for a great night out. Food looks fab also. I'm drooling...

"It's never too late to be who you might have been." --George Eliot