SCENTS OF MY ROOTS
ADAR Restaurant Épicerie
Expressing culture through architectural elements, ADAR is a Mediterranean épicerie and restaurant entirely custom-designed in the 49th house of the historical Passage des Panoramas of Paris’ 2nd arrondissement. Demonstrating new and evolved ways of awakening all five senses, the restaurant reminds one of the unique sensory experience inherent to a culture.
It subtly captures Levantine culture without falling into clichés of orientalism and grandiosity. Instead, it is designed to mimic the raw colours of the landscape in hues of browns, oranges, and off-white, with a central, corrugated mesh chandelier collecting dried spices, vegetables, and flowers to evoke the souk. Optimizing the natural filtered light of the Passage’s glass roof, a warm palette integrates walnut and oak wood, oxidised brass, patina walls, verde olive granite, hand-made ceramic plates, and inox offering rich layers of texture.
Throughout the restaurant, a bodily sense of dynamism is achieved. Stained mirrors reflect the movement of visitors, while the chefs prepare fresh Levantine cuisine in a striking terracotta open-kitchen, framing the act of cooking as a performance. Extending the experience, organic Mediterranean food products from Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and Italy will be available to purchase at ADAR, inviting Levantine elements into Parisian homes.
Client | Adar @adar_paris
Location | 49 Passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris, France
Area | 40 sqm
Date of Completion | June 2019
Team | Tessa Sakhi, Tara Sakhi, Elie Harb
Contractor | Atelier Sauvage @atelier_sauvage
Photos | Romain Bassenne @romainbassenne
