A rustic & modern combo

interiors

This week You! takes a look at the classy interior of an Italian restaurant...

The term fine dining brings to mind all kinds of images, from crisp white table cloths to waiters in proper uniforms. Fine dining, just as the name suggests, offers food mavens the finest in food, service and most importantly ambience. A person goes to a specific restaurant either because the food is very good or because the atmosphere is pleasant. When it comes to restaurant design, being gorgeous isn’t enough. A restaurant is a space with a distinct concept and cuisine philosophy. However, when it comes to the interiors of a restaurant, there are countless factors that include bringing together all the elements of design to create a stylish space. These days restaurants across the country try hard to differentiate them from the next and go for designs that are not just stunning, but apt. Recently, Movenpick’s Italian restaurant ‘La Mamma’ has been renovated in a traditional way to create a striking impact.

The management of the hotel decided to refurbish the restaurant and give it a classic Italian touch. La Mamma has been relocated on the pool side to provide a calming view to those coming to enjoy the authentic Italian cuisine. The management felt the need to pair up genuine flavours with traditional setting to give a complete Italian experience - creating an ambiance very close to the cafes in Italy.

What sets the restaurant apart from others is the decor and placement of the furnishings. The place is built on traditional Italian theme where the exterior boasts of Roman pillars to give it a vintage and traditional look. Moreover, a mix of Italian artefacts have been used including classic tiles, conventional lamps, artefacts and chequered table cloths - all add to the exclusivity of the place.

Just like a small cafe in Italy, the eatery caters up to 45 guests at a time and entire space has been done in off white hues. But one wall takes away all the attention and that is the recently added bright and beautiful mural that gives a lively feel. The stunning mural brilliantly exhibits the scenery of Venice. Wooden tables along with cosy sofas in maroon give a very warm touch. The tables and chairs have been placed strategically allowing enough space to move around.

Lighting is a highly specialized area of design. A restaurant without a thoughtfully conceived lighting plan is like Disney without fireworks or a dish without salt and pepper. The fact is, lighting can captivate one’s mood and when it comes to low lighting, well that tends to make us relaxed. The restaurant also has a very calm and welcoming effect thanks to the yellow lighting. Classic fixtures with dull yellow lights make the overall ambiance enjoyable.

All the products used for the decor of the bistro has been locally purchased. It is not only sustainable and durable but is of export quality. Even the furniture and cutlery has been bought from the local market as the Hotel management believes in benefiting the area it operates in. The furniture has been selected based on Italian theme in terms of looks and colours. The cutlery also matches the design concept - supporting the renewed and innovative look.

Now coming to delicious Italian food! The interesting part is that the restaurant grows its own fresh herbs and prepares dough for its pizzas and pastas which contribute to true Italian flavours.

Initially buffet was served at the restaurant but now it is A la carte dining as the management wanted to serve fresh and piping hot dishes straight out of the kitchen. Brick oven is used to prepare pizzas and live cooking fills up the restaurant with fresh aroma, making you feel as if you’re sitting in one of the cafes in Italy.

What more do you want? The calming ambiance provided by subtle lighting, comfortable seating and pleasant aromas of freshly cooked food add to the overall experience of fine dining. Don’t forget to visit the restaurant and enjoy Italian cuisine in an Italian setting.