Kitchen art
as
The open kiTchen suiTe aT 21c MuseuM hoTels ’ lockbox resTauranT in lexingTon , kenTucky , is a perfecT Mix of funcTionaliTy and MuseuM-like aesTheTic .
By Jeff Weinstein , editor in chief
F & B
Kitchen Design
Chef Jonathan Searle loves the way the layout and flow of his American-made Jade Cooking Suite at the newly opened 21c Museum Hotel Lexington contributes to an open conversation among his 20-member brigade and how that helps brings the menu together in a more collaborative manner . Combine that with the energy coming from the new dining room that has been full just about every night and Searle says the energy is palpable .
“ They really almost feed off of each other at times when the kitchen ’ s really going and everyone is in sync . You can just see people kind of perk up out in the dining room and really take notice ,” says the chef who began his culinary career in Lexington and returns to the city after a stint at another 21c Museum Hotels restaurant , Louisville ’ s Proof on Main . “ You just know when guests leave that the kitchen is a talking piece for their experience , and likewise on the other side of the coin , when that dining room is humming we feed off of that so much .”
Housed in the historic Fayette National Bank building originally constructed as Lexington ’ s first skyscraper in 1913 , the open kitchen at Lockbox , created in concert with Deborah Berke Partners and MFI Enterprises , serves as a showcase to Chef Searle ’ s commitment to the community ’ s craft purveyors , serving seasonal ingredients and using thoughtful yet simple cooking techniques . The menu celebrates the area ’ s independent suppliers and the unique ingredients of the Bluegrass region .
Lockbox ’ s large windows provide plentiful natural light and a view into the 1,679-square-foot kitchen from the street , especially at night when light is shining bright in the kitchen . " The one side is open to the street and passersby all night long just kind of peek in ," Searle says .
40 hotelsmag . com May 2016