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Given the opportunity to design a restaurant along coveted Park Avenue, Meyer Davis embraced Altamarea and Chef Michael White’s direction to create something unexpected. The design of Vaucluse fills the void between a formal French restaurant and the classic bistro. Inspired by the Vaucluse region in the south of France, the environment of the restaurant touches on the natural grace of a French farmhouse while also incorporating contemporary design details to excite the seasoned diner.
Upon entry, guests are greeted by a simple wooden chef’s table and a curved glass paned screen. Looking toward the west dining room, eyes are drawn to a contemporary version of a traditional oil landscape painting – a commission by artist Alexandria Tarver. An illuminated central banquette grounds the furniture plan. A graphic carpet sits below, and an oval custom chandelier floats above. Molding details illustrate the ceiling with subway tiles wrapping its vaults. Cerused wood panelling is paired with chic custom millwork detailed in aged metal – each is decorated with commissioned pottery and surrounded by faceted mirrors.
Guests step up to pass through a centrally located bar and lounge, full of quirky tufted leather and brass chairs and sparkling glass pendants. A tile-clad bar is flanked by arched doorways and topped with a plaster urn. In the east dining room, more graphic rugs delight and walls are hugged by endless banquettes. Careful curves are repeated both in banquette details and millwork. Glowing sconces add a residential feel, as do carefully collected watercolour paintings and a selection of chic utensils displayed on the walls.
Downstairs, a simple and elegant private dining room boasts a grand round table at its center and is finished with an elegant geometric chandelier and sophisticated black and white photography. In the townhouse room down the hall – intended for larger parties – are three Malcolm Hill paintings that span the entire west wall. A custom mirrored console and another graphic rug finish off the space.
A labour of love and collaboration between Meyer Davis, Altamarea, and Michael White, Vaucluse is designed to the details and styled with care to ensure the appreciation of guests flocking to Park Avenue for the very best in New York City dining.