Art-inspired ambiance

James Beard Foundation’s Award-nominated restaurant designer Martin Vahtra of Project Design Associates of New York designed the space. The focal point of the restaurant is the natural anigre wood ceiling, which is a modern interpretation of a Banyan tree, the national tree of India. The Banyan tree plays an important role in Indian culture as it’s the resting place for the God Krishna and is known for its aerial prop roots that grow into think wood trucks which, with age, can become indistinguishable from the main trunk. The bar, complete with custom Corian tiles and glass top, has a mismatched configuration of dark stained rift cut oak shelves, which mimic the eight arms of the Hindu goddess Durga. Subtle references to Indian shapes in architecture and sculpture are found throughout the space. Plush fabrics, striking Indian art, and rich jewel tones sets off this dynamic space.