Page 50 - Enlightenment Magazine - July 2013

outstanding hoSpitality ProJects

previoUS page: he adage, Too many cooks spoil the ribbons), the atmosphere had to match the local
left: The striking botle broth does not apply here at SoBou eclecticism of the food.
wall in the bar area (which stands for South of Bourbon
features a variety of
glass botles illuminated Street) restaurant. Nestled inside the Spicing Up the interior
by Inspire Super Bright TW Hotel French Quarter, it brings to- In homage to mixology, Reveal Design Group of
LED Tape Light from LED gether an all-star team including Cocktail Chick New York City together with Nema Workshop
Inspirations. Ti Adelaide Martin of the companys fagship Com- brought the theme of a spirited restaurant to
right top: Inspire Super manders Palace, Alex Brennan-Martin of Brennans life with their modern interpretation of a saloon in
Bright LED Tape Light of Houston, cousin Brad Brennan, and Command- the heart of the French Quarter. Tools of mixology
from LED Inspirations ers Palace team members executive chef Tory (loaned by the Museum of the American Cocktail
was used to illuminate the McPhail, general manager Steve Woodruf, corpo- in New Orleans) are displayed, along with abstract
fexible tubes.
rate bar chef Lu Brow, and sommelier Dan Davis. symbols of the citys musical history, to generate an
right bottom: Because The latest addition to the famous culinary fam- immersive and dazzling environment.
ordinances did not ily is about as far from ordinary as it is close to Since exterior lighting was kept to a minimum
permit the designers to its New Orleans roots. With a restaurant ofering (due to strict French Quarter ordinances), devis-
illuminate the bar outside,
they relied on the brightly starters such as Buternut Squash Beignets (foie ing an interior botle wall gave the restaurant a
lit botle wall to draw gras fondue, duck debris & chicory cofee ganache) strong street presence, allowing it to glow from
passersby in. and Crispy Oyster Tacos (compressed pineapple within like a lantern.
ceviche, mirliton & Cajun ghost pepper caviar) or Inside, the décor is evocative of an apothecary,
entrees such as Cracklin Crusted Yellowfn Tuna back in the era when cocktails originated. The
(crawfsh macque choux, crab boiled lentils, chili main mixology bar features a frosted oval table
roasted garlic & lemon conft) and Chargrilled reserved for special tastings that is illumi-
Shrimp Salad (hearts of romaine letuce tossed in nated from within, transmiting light through the
a crab boiled egg & anchovy sauce gribiche served stemware and highlighting each colorful drink. Ad-
with chili roasted garlic croustades and manchego justable shielded recessed lights accent the tables

48 enLIGHTenment Magazine | July 2013 www.enlightenmentmag.com