This gut renovation attempted to insert a sensual palate of materials into a rather bland strip mall while balancing the modernist high-tech program requested in this Asian-themed restaurant. The cuisine also reflected this idea through classic dishes prepared with modern touches. An interesting juxtaposition between frosted plexiglass booths placed against heavy wooden tables was the centerpiece of the dining room anchored on either end by two wooden cubes. [One is a private dining space and the other is the hostess station. The space was metaphorically and physically modeled on the abstraction of the Yin/Yang, the symbol of oppositional duality. This philosophy plays out in execution, use of material and plan symmetry and of course the food. We are saddened to learn that this restaurant didn’t survive very long but we are proud that it does live on in photos and hope it piques the interest of some up and coming restauranteur.

Architect Kushner Studios

Contract Price$475,000

Program: 2400 Sf
Restaurant kitchen, lounge, reception, preparation and receivables areas, dining room, bathrooms, waiting area.

WHAT
Gut – Commercial Renovation

WHERE
Ramsey, New Jersey

WHEN
March 2007