At the JHouse Greenwich in Greenwich , Connecticut , eleven14 Kitchen features outdoor dining space that can be used for much of the year thanks to a system of trellises and subterranean heating .
The same china , glass and silver used inside is also used outside at eleven14 Kitchen . Overall , the restaurant strives for an extremely understated tabletop setting , allowing the food to be the main attraction .
By focusing on two vibrant summer colors — yellow and green — combined with a few simple patterns , rooftop bar Soaked at Mondrian SoHo in New York City created the feel of a comfortable living room outdoors .
INSIDE OUT
When the question was indoor or outdoor , the new JHouse Greenwich in Greenwich , Connecticut , decided the answer should be both . The hotel ’ s eleven14 Kitchen offers indoor dining as well as outdoor dining that can be used throughout much of the year thanks to a system of trellises and subterranean heating .
The restaurant takes a similar approach to its tabletops , where the same china , glass and silver is used indoors and outdoors . “ Our choice to ‘ bring the indoors outside ’ was in understanding and following a trend of pushing aside what is typical in outdoor table settings ,” says John Sheedy , JHouse Greenwich general manager . “ Guests are not comfortable in a flimsy plastic chair , nor do they
Tabletop settings on the outdoor terrace at the recently revamped Seki Restaurant at Argos in Cappadocia , Turkey , look much like tables one would find in a more traditional dining room setting .
enjoy sipping their Chardonnay out of an acrylic wine glass . People want the real thing .”
“ More products that are being used inside are being brought outside , raising the bar of the outdoor experience ,” notes Corey Nyman , director of operations at Las Vegas-based consultancy The Nyman Group . “ Guests want 5-star dining on the patio , and we need to be able to deliver it to them .”
Nyman adds that because , for example , resin- and acrylic-based glassware has improved in quality and variety , not only are indoor items heading outside , but the reverse is true as well , with traditionally outdoor pieces moving inside . “ Obviously you can ’ t use a resin glass in a 5-star restaurant ,” he says . “ However , you can use it in a high-volume location or as a signature piece . Flexibility has to be the name of the game .”
52 HOTELS November 2012 www . hotelsmag . com