create a spectacular space highlighted
by architectural balance, pure lines and
simple forms. The liberal utilization of
glass and other ultra-quality materials
creates a striking visual impact that captivates all who set eyes on it.
Step into the main restaurant area and
view the 15th-century Gothic arch, the
glass ceiling and the foundations of an
Arabic wall. The sophisticated colour
palette is understated and imbues the
setting with a sober elegance. The space
also boasts a beautiful glazed wine cellar
and elegant seamless flooring. Decorative
lighting contributes to the serenity of
the scene.
The wine list is very good and the attractive menu offers creative Mediterranean
dishes, all very well presented.
Alma del Temple is definitely one of the
highlights of the dining scene in Valencia.
www.almadeltemple.com
AMMO
Hong Kong
A former military explosives magazine,
used by the British Army a century-anda-half ago, has been totally renovated by
renowned New York-based architects Tod
Williams and Billie Tsien. It is now home to
Asia Society Hong Kong Center, a museum
and cultural complex.
The building also houses AMMO, a superchic and über-cool eatery.
AMMO is a truly unique restaurant in an
equally unique location but it is the décor
and heritage surroundings that are the star
of the show, although the food is certainly
worthy of praise.
The spectacularly modern interior design
is by Joyce Wang, who drew her inspiration
from the historical, architectural and cultural
significance of AMMO’s location. Wang was
also inspired by the film noir masterpiece
– Alphaville, a 1965 French sci-fi production
from director Jean-Luc Godard.
The modern space is simply breathtaking:
the glass cube-like structure has 8-metre
ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls on
three sides. With a plush green setting,
the restaurant is nestled against a bountiful backdrop of verdant foliage. The
glass construction looks like a high-end
greenhouse.
The copper used extensively throughout
is not only industrial, but luxe, too, and
references the military past of the structure.
With three sculptural spiral staircase
chandeliers purely constructed out of
copper plumbing pipes, a show-stopping
Art Deco-style copper mural behind the
bar, and a spectacular bunker-like ceiling,
the décor is jaw-droppingly dramatic and
theatrical. Diners are left discussing their
interpretations amidst the historic setting.
As for the menu, it is sophisticated, elevated
modern Mediterranean, with a hint of Asian.
The restaurant specialises in handmade
pasta produced fresh on-site from organic
Italian eggs.
www.theaddressmagazine.com
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