Restaurant “A” fuses Japanese, European and Israeli cultures
Baranowitz and Goldbergin collaboration with pitsou kedem architects, have been tasked with creating a small and distinctive space that breathes light and paves the way for cooking The ingenuity of the Israeli chef Ben Neriah. Completed in November 2021, the restaurant encapsulates its own distinct design language and is located within the second floor of the Azrieli-Sarona Tower in Tel Aviv.
At the request of the chef, the idea here was to combine Japanese design heritage with European materialism and Israeli flair to create a dining experience brimming with liveliness and elegance. becomes “a .” Culinary Institute […] Designed to offer a place to experience rich and timeless knowledge well blended with Chef’s interpretation and bold culinary innovations, Baranowitz & Goldberg stock.
All photos © Amit Jeron
A space governed by spacious and elegant gestures
To start, Baranowitz & Goldberg (see more here) and pitsou kedem (see works hereThe entrance to the restaurant is designed to reflect the heritage of Japanese festivities and the experience of discovery. This allows guests to get away from the chaotic streets of Tel Aviv and immerse themselves in a multi-sensory space. The curved wall welcomes visitors first and gently guides them to the door at the end of the extended vestibule. At the same time, at waist level, a single oxidized aquamarine panel of different textures and shapes orchestrates the division between hot and cold, hot and sweet, salty and sour, to reflect the kitchen itself.
This curved wall is surrounded by a straight vertical wall welded together to exemplify the convergence of neoclassical colonnade and Japanese-inspired concrete. Meanwhile, around the curve of the curved wall is the main dining space, where the view opens, revealing the entirety of the architectural gesture while simultaneously enclosing a private seating area.
Separating the kitchen from the restaurant and extending across the hall, the straight wall is the base of the semi-arch that controls the entire space with one brush stroke. This classical architectural form, derived directly from the current proportions of a particular area, is tall, narrow and tall – evoking classical columns and churches. This main section defining the dining hall is divided into three parts, each of which performs a specific role. At the base of the division is a graphic composition achieved in turquoise copper patina that speaks the language of the half-arch and recalls the classical edifices and vaulted carvings that adorn western cities.
Above this plinth extends a tall narrow window displaying the dynamic activity and creative culinary power behind the wall, while above the middle tier, half of the arch flows outward. Furhmore, the entire west oriented wall of the “a” is enclosed in glass to allow natural light to flow in and illuminate the space at dusk. This feature also connects diners to the city itself at night with beautiful, unobstructed views of Tel Aviv’s Sarona Complex and Park, creating a strong connection between indoors and outdoors.
The end of the architectural view ends with a sake library at the far end of the restaurant. The sake library is constructed of brushed aluminum, which defines the end of the space and serves as a backdrop to the restaurant’s central bar.
Seating experiences are also broad gestures and consist primarily of an elongated bar located in the center of the space. The dining tables are designed in the same language as the patina cladding and are made of aluminum panels in different shaded finishes. Inside the restaurant there is also a private dining area that features an oversized table for communal gatherings and can be converted into a larger piece for up to 20 people.
Light gray tones meet aquamarine and earthy green
In terms of color, the architects used monochromatic shades of warm light gray and aquamarine green. Both tones are lifted by painted aluminum tables and earthen wood chairs inspired by modern Japanese architecture and aesthetics. The copper patina and wood of the dining chairs give the space a pop of color, while the terrazzo gray floor offers a splash of green reminiscent of European materials with a nod to local Israeli heritage.
All in all, the restaurantFate may be fulfilled. A space created to feel like it’s been around for centuriessays Sigal Baranowitz, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Baranowitz & Goldberg. “The process of demonstrating Chef Ben Neria’s idea of merging Japanese and Western cultures in a lively elegance has led us to draw upon the classic architectural expressions of form and matter in these two cultures. Our process of re-sculpting two contrasting identities creates a calm and assertive space perfectly suited to representing the gastronomic experience.“.
