The design concept of MEZE Wine Café & Market, situated on the ground floor of the Railroad Square campus, was an effort to simply yet straightforwardly reflect its etymology. Translated: meze, a Mediterranean term, refers to a small plate or portion of food accompanied by drink. The resultant design solution for this tiny market was direct and concise: simple dining and retail spaces flanking a modest open kitchen. The dominant linear bar encourages wine sipping, small plates and conversation between the chef and customer. In the open marketplace, storage is a functional point of intrigue. An old brick vault at the periphery of the¬ dining area is lined with custom wood shelves highlighting MEZE’s impressive and eclectic wine offering. To bring the café out to the street, tall steel and poplar tables align to the large storefront windows, prominently inviting drive-by customers to come and explore.