Rouge Tomate

10, East 60th Street, Manhattan, New York, NY, United States

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Rouge Tomate

10, East 60th Street, Manhattan, New York, NY, United States

Firm

Bentel & Bentel Architects/Planners

YEAR

2008

The Rouge Tomate exemplifies a unique harmony between its design and its food concept. The design is inspired by the original Rouge Tomate restaurant in Brussels as well as their nutritional charter, S.P.E. (Sanitas Per Escam). S.P.E. is based on a respect for ingredients and the crafting of balanced dishes; similarly, Rouge Tomate is committed to environmental consciousness, a warm atmosphere, and natural materials.

Each design element seeks to reinforce the idea of creating a spa for food. Upon entry, a two-story ‘Tomato’ Tower greets the guest with a living logo rather than a standard sign. The logo of 16 squares is abstractly represented through the display of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The walnut-clad, vibrant red juice bar is the heart of the restaurant at the upper lounge level. The juice bar is abstractly conceived as a tomato falling into water—an image of purity and freshness—with the rippling wood floor pattern representing the waves emanating from the center. A walnut shelf with sixteen red square compartments, partially recessed in a wall of back-lit white oak slats, allows for a seasonal display of fresh vegetation. The lower main dining area surrounds the warm, wood-enclosed display kitchen, which showcases the chefs creating all of the nutritionally-balanced dishes. A wood veneer ceiling contributes to the kitchen’s uniquely warm glow. Nature encloses the two ends of the space—on the north, an arboreal triptych adds the freshness of the forest, and a cranberry bog on the south gives the patrons a private, romantic perch. All photographs courtesy of Eduard Hueber, archphoto inc.