F & B : TABLETOP
Communal tables at Twenty-Two Storys at Hyatt Regency Atlanta are designed to foster interaction .
A whimsical chandelier holds double-walled , custommade beer glasses at The Brew at Kerry Hotel Pudong , Shanghai .
FOCUS
Robert Wiedmaier , chef and owner of Mussel Bar & Grille at Revel in Atlantic City , New
ON FUN Jersey , had a very specific vision for the concept . Since the restaurant is part of a casino , he wanted it to exude fun in addition to reflecting his somewhat irreverent personality . Wiedmaier knew white tablecloths weren ’ t the ticket , so instead his tabletops incorporate art , such as a lion on the restaurant ’ s chef ’ s table . Sandwiches , charcuterie and cheeses are served on wooden or slate boards , and mussels are delivered to the table in a steaming cast-iron pan .
“ The restaurant is loud ,” Wiedmaier explains . “ You ’ re basically sitting in the
kitchen . So tableware is not about , ‘ Did I pick up the right fork ?’ It ’ s there to eat really wellprepared food , have an engaging time with your friends and watch the culinary show .”
The Brew at Kerry Hotel Pudong , Shanghai also uses a variety of serving options to showcase individual dishes , such as pizzas delivered on heavy cast-iron plates . Given the outlet ’ s name , it ’ s not surprising glassware is another point of emphasis . The gastropub uses doublewalled , custom-made glasses in seven shapes and sizes designed to keep beer cold without condensation during the warmer months .
Cook Hall at W Atlanta – Buckhead emphasizes guest engagement in the dining experience , and one way it achieves that is by offering a “ Cocktail Kit .” A comprehensive basket delivered to the table provides everything diners need to be their own mixologists .
Although it may not appeal to everyone , one of the more ubiquitous gastropub elements designed to lend itself to fun is the communal table . Twenty-Two Storys , the gastropub at Hyatt Regency Atlanta , features not one , but two such seating options . “ We purposefully designed the space with two large tables that seat 16 guests ,” says Assistant Food and Beverage Director Dan Fiss . “ They can accommodate one large group or two , three or four smaller groups . Either way , the groups end up interacting with each other , which is what we intended .”
Instead of white tablecloths , artwork adorns the tables at Mussel Bar & Grille at Revel in Atlantic City , New Jersey .
Diners can be their own mixologists at Cook Hall at W Atlanta – Buckhead thanks to a “ Cocktail Kit ” delivered to the table .
44 HOTELS March 2013 www . hotelsmag . com