Flowers are blooming, Rock Creek Park is at its stunning best full of zillions of leafy green trees and though temperatures are warming up, we are still enjoying nice evening breezes. Don’t you love Spring in DC?
It has been ages since I have posted here, but I must say that I am feeling very inspired, and wanted to share a brand new space in my neighborhood which I think is absolutely gorgeous: the new Macon Bistro and Larder in Chevy Chase, DC.
I am going to limit my comments to the interiors,(and one yummy cocktail which I had the pleasure of trying).
What I love about this fresh new space:
This new restaurant has fully taken advantage of and improved upon an ideal location in the Chevy Chase Arcade. Expansive windows open up to the Arcade on one side and to Connecticut Avenue on the other. I have spent the last month or so in anticipation of the grand opening (which happened on May 10th) peeking in every time I walk by. All of the windows and intrigue of this space definitely lends itself to peeking.
A very important aspect of successful restaurant design is creating curb appeal, where you are dying to catch a peek inside at all of the fun, beauty and intrigue.
The space feels both French and Southern, which refers to the owners ties to Macon, France and Macon, Georgia.
What works about this space is the simplicity of materials combined with a strong contrast through materials and color: rich neutrals combined with fresh green, yellow and white.
The dark colors (greys, blacks and browns) contrast with a sexy sinuous wallcovering in greens, browns, blacks and yellow. The smoky walls, aged crystal chandeliers, a gorgeous long marble-topped bar, and pops of vinyl green on French bistro chairs all come together to create a truly appealing look.
The long bar is the centerpiece of the space, marble topped with rustic wooden stools and detailing combined with wrought iron accents. Small square wooden tables with wrought iron bases and wooden French bistro chairs with chartreuse green vinyl seats sit atop rustic large brown floor tiles. Bench style seating lines the arcade side of the space. The sturdiness of materials is balanced out by a playful lightness created by gorgeous transparencies at windows and mirrors. Jewel-like aged crystal chandeliers are found throughout the dining space, and vintage glass pendants line the bar. Tall windows and tall mirrors…And the yummiest ever tall drink recommended by the bartender: “the French 75ish” with gin, lemon, crème Yvette. Oh La La!!
The open kitchen area is lined white subway tiles with dark grout and creates a clean handmade feel in contrast with industrial stainless steel. A stunning lithograph type tree in black and white is visible from the Connecticut Avenue windows and pops against the dark wall. Black chalkboards with daily specials and a host of thoughtful details give the space a worn, rustic, feel with a splash of refreshing modern allure.
The Macon Bistro is a lovely addition to Chevy Chase, DC and definitely raises the design bar for the neighborhood. I am very much looking forward to the opening of their sidewalk café in June. Please check out this fabulous space whenever you happen to be in the neighborhood.
Wow!!
Holly
Note: Credit for the design of this gorgeous space goes to the Owner’s Wife, Kimberly Brown, and their friend, Shoshana Lombardi.