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Brandimage and dash design Develop New Restaurants for Mandarin Oriental in Shanghai

Brandimage
2013-07-29 14:30 6156

Three distinct restaurants and the Mandarin Cake Shop offer high-concept dining experiences at Mandarin Oriental's first Shanghai property

HONG KONG, July 29, 2013/PRNewswire/ -- Brandimage, a leading global consultancy of brand equity architects and designers and dash design, a New York-based firm renowned for thoughtful, innovative hospitality and retail projects, have joined forces to create four eye-catching, chic, modern dining venues for Mandarin Oriental's new luxury property in Pudong, Shanghai.

The venues which include the Chinese restaurant Yong Yi Ting, the modern-French Fifty 8º Grill, the all-day kitchen Zest, as well as the hotel's signature Mandarin Cake Shop,are characterizedby contemporary, upbeat cosmopolitan decors that serve as stylish and exciting additions to Shanghai's eclectic and flourishing dining scene.

The partnership between Brandimage and dash design marries expertise in branding, strategy and interior design. According to Mr. Craig Briggs, Managing Director of Brandimage Asia, this brand-led approach inspired the team to create distinct concepts for each of the four venues which translate into deeply immersive, engaging spaces offering the hotel's guests a dining experience that is truly unique.

Commenting on the project, Mr. Briggs remarks that, increasingly, consumers are looking for a culmination of experiences when they go out to dine. "High-concept design restaurants today need to demonstrate as much innovation and flair in their architecture and decor as they do in their cuisine," expresses Mr. Briggs.

With a focus on premium materials and an acute attention to detail, the cutting-edge, imaginative epicurean environments that Brandimage and dash design have created for the hotel pay tribute to Mandarin Oriental's reputation for luxury including its world-class dining, inimitable service and exceptional cuisine. The main design highlights of these urban-chic dining destinations include the following:

Yong Yi Ting
Inspired by the concept "Mythical Journey," Chinese restaurant Yong Yi Ting incorporates multiple experiential zones throughout the restaurant beginning with an enchanting entrance through the bar and lounge space. The lounge features a customized ceiling illuminated with traditional Chinese wine jugs, and a dramatically lighted wine wall, making an elegant reference to the restaurant's extensive global wine selection and wine cellar. The use of dark woods and rich fabrics create a sense of Chinese Imperial culture and project an aura of luxury.

The main dining area opens up beyond the lounge, receiving natural light and creating a more accessible and modern Chinese dining experience. Tables and banquettes appointed in rich leathers and woods are complemented by stone walls and partitions adorned with traditional Chinese motifs.

Catering to the market demand for private dining with high-touch service, the restaurant features eight opulent private dining rooms that are accessed either via the main dining room or via a private entrance in the back of the restaurant. The arrangement of the private dining rooms is based on a contemporary version of Chinese Hutong, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation while moving through and discovering the rooms. Each private dining room was conceived and built as a floating glass box, with half of the walls covered in glass and finished with black marble and slate. While mysterious and simple on the outside, the private dining rooms are luxurious and intimate on the inside.

Fifty 8° Grill
Adjoining Mandarin Oriental's Executive Apartments is an upscale restaurant, Fifty 8° Grill. Drawing inspiration from the concept of "Neo Deco New York," Fifty 8° Grill is a fresh and modern take on Manhattan in the 1930s -- rich and elegant, yet comfortable and welcoming.

Fifty 8° Grill features a signature leather and onyx bar and is adjacent to an immersive wine display that flanks the secondary entry. A large stone bread oven positioned at the far end of the restaurant and anchored by a communal chef's table that floats into the center of the space, is the restaurant's focal point. Once inside, rich red and brown leathers, walnut wood, stone, and glass create an atmosphere evocative of the exclusive New York hideaways.

Zest
To meet the all-day dining needs of the restaurant Zest, Brandimage and dash design developed a concept of "Woven Experiences" to serve as the basis for the multi-functioning space. A challenging convergence of cultures, occasions, and cuisines flourishes within a modern setting featuring light woods and neutral fabrics. Warm light bathes the restaurant from above, allowing the impressive selection of cooking stations throughout the restaurant to be the spotlight.

The Mandarin Cake Shop
The Mandarin Cake Shop, which adjoins Fifty 8° Grill, is a simple and elegant boutique. Based on a concept "Sweet Luxe," the shop's design celebrates the imagination of Mandarin pastry chefs and their sweet creations. The boutique features light wood and stone and an open plan, blending the classic with the contemporary and encouraging exploration and participation, as chefs prepare their fine pastries in plain view.

About Brandimage
Brandimage is a global consultancy of brand-equity architects and designers, united by a passion to strategically create meaningful brands that seduce at the point of decision and consistently engage across all facets of the consumer experience. Founded in 1971, by Joel Desgrippes in Paris, Brandimage today has offices in Europe, America, and Asia. Its global team of talented design and marketing experts build on their holistic expertise in brand strategy, innovation and consumer insight via a comprehensive portfolio of services: brand identity, industrial design, packaging, interactive, retail experience and architecture. Brandimage serves clients globally across a variety of industries, ranging from consumer packaged goods to luxury brands, health & beauty, retail, finance, education, technology, sports, entertainment and tourism. Brandimage is a part of Schawk, Inc. www.brand-image.com

About dash design
dash design is a New York-based interior design firm that combines innovative design with functionality. Their portfolio of work includes hotels, restaurants and retail stores. David Ashen, President, is sought out for his unique ability to extend a brand, embrace a concept and make it come to life. He has been the recipient of the "Wave of the Future" award by Hospitality Design, "Rising Star in Interior Design" award by the Fashion Group International, and was named "One of Ten to Watch" by New York Magazine. Current work includes projects in New York City, Greenwich, Washington D.C., Cincinnati, Shanghai, Charlotte and Istanbul. www.dashdesign.net

Source: Brandimage
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