One of my favorite NYC restaurants Spice Market has just opened the outdoor patio for the spring and summer seasons. Besides the mouth-watering food, pleasant ambiance and exceptional service, I am mostly in awe of the enigmatic Southeast Asian decor.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sSQv6hWgP0M]
The eminent chef Jean-Georges collaborated with designer Jacques Garcia to recreate the interiors of the far-off Eastern cultures. A valuable collection of artifacts – including antique wall carvings, screens and pagodas – were imported from exotic places such as Rajastan, South India, Burma and Malaysia to transform the open two-floor space. The titillating blend of décor styles makes for a peaceful Oriental sanctuary, nested from the outside hustle and bustle. Custom-made colonial style furniture combined with white leather is mixed with Oriental period pieces such as wooden Thai and Chinese porcelain garden stools. The former warehouse’ raw timber beams and teak floors are now beautified with lavish French fabric embroidered drapes from Lelievre and with the soft glow of Herves Descottes’ lighting. A rich color palette of violets, indigos, ochres and deep reds instantly transports the clientele inside an ancient Bombay palace.
[Photo credit: Spice Market]
