The recipe for a successful restaurant requires much more than good food and service, these days. New York City, teeming in restaurants, proves that the ambiance, overall décor concept and design components such as materials, lighting and fixtures prove to be just as important as a unique menu. There is an abundance of prevailing styles out there, with a high level of sophistication - however urban, industrial, modern or country they may be. All of these styles help define and brand a restaurant and becomes a cohesive effect in that the food takes on some definition of the environment, just as the environment can help define the food.
Southern fare is no stranger to New York, however it's level of sophistication is very much on the rise. Maysville, which sits in the Flatiron District, is one of the few to create a sophisticated contemporary spin on "smoked, grilled and charred flavors that have a natural affinity for bourbon" (Marysville.com), both in atmosphere and the refined approach to the menu. The melding of both traditional and contemporary design styles in the restaurant create a space perfectly attuned to both eras – white chequered floors, grass-cloth walls and buttoned banquettes. Most impressive is the sprawling lighting installation of glowing paper lanterns, which are meant to call to mind the patterns of America’s Midwest farm fields. Maysville, named after Maysville KY - the birthplace of bourbon distilling, also has an extraordinary oak bar which illuminates the room with a golden amber. The overall experience is the perfect combination of Southern charm meets NY sophistication.
Maysville, NYC
Here are a few of my favorite local spots in the south that exude this same level of sophistication and the perfect harmony of design and cuisine:
The King & Duke, named after characters in the novel “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, nods to classic literature and American traditions in both it’s approach to décor and cuisine. Set in a relaxed environment where a 24’ open hearth acts as the restaurant’s centerpiece, King & Duke creates an American cuisine where almost everything is cooked over an open hickory wood flame. Throughout the space, a mix of southern rustic and refined materials work together to create a layered curated interior. Through this special marriage of creative yet rustic style of cooking and the vintage yet modern design, a truly unique and integrated experience is created.
The Grey, Savannah GA
The Grey occupies a landmarked 1938 Art Deco Greyhound bus terminal that had been abandoned for close to 12 years. One of the most unique restaurants I know, The Grey had to work within strict guidelines from Savannah’s Historical Society and were not allowed to make major structural changes to the existing floorplan. High ceilings, retro lighting, steel blue booths, a U- shaped bar and original Masonite walls all harken back to it’s original glory. Brick walls and terrazzo flooring have been restored, detailed with original elements such as gate numbers on the wall, the ticket window which now showcases the open kitchen and partitions throughout which use the glass from the original skylights. These elements are expertly paired with both found vintage and custom modern pieces to create the perfect balance that pay homage to it’s history. With a penchant to use local produce and meats, The Grey continues with it's tradition of transporting it's customers, but this time through the use of layered, soulful dishes.