SCENTS OF MY ROOTS

ADAR Restaurant Épicerie

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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 ways of awakening all five senses, the restaurant reminds one of the unique sensory experience inherent to the Levantine culture and subtly captures it without falling into clichés of orientalism and grandiosity.

 

It is designed to mimic the raw colors 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, oxidized brass, patina walls, verde olive granite, hand-made ceramic plates, and inox offering rich layers of texture.

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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.

Client | Adar

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

Photos | Romain Bassenne