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Despite saying that the space would mostly go unchanged, chef/restauranteur Laurent Tourondel has enlisted famed Chicago designer Jordan Mozer to overhaul large parts of the interior of the former Brasserie Ruhlmann space.
Mozer, who has designed local restaurants like Vivere, Bob San and the former Hudson Club, hooked up with Tourondel and his partners about a month ago when the LT team reached out after seeing the design team's work at New York's Hotel 57.
Mozer admits that much of the main dining room will remain untouched, especially the burgundy and rosewood color scheme. However, they are reducing the size of the dining room to create a lounge and bar, each with its own personality. "We're making small changes; we're trying to keep the feeling of the period and the room," Mozer said. "We're just going to give it a little pop." That period, Mozer explained, is inspired by the artists, designers and architecture of France between 1915 and 1933.
Mozer's team will bring in new furniture (ottomans upholstered in gorgeous mohair; tables crafted from large pieces of mahogany wood; lounge chairs; bar stools); add carpets to soften the space; build high banquettes to help create separation and energy between the rooms; and they will install large cubist murals that will wrap around the entire space.
The lounge, which will live near the Superior Street entrance, will have a chocolate and intense Chinese red color scheme, while the bar will feature mustard colors to allow the gold and silver leaf of the relief behind the bar to pop. So even though these changes will definitely give new life to the restaurant, diners familiar with the space will still, well, know the room. "It's a beautiful room and it'd be a shame to change it," Mozer said. Watch for BLT American Brasserie to open this fall.
· Laurent Tourondel Opening BLT American Brasserie in Former Brasserie Ruhlmann Space [~EChi~]
· The Top Restaurants to Watch for This Fall [~EChi~]
BLT American Brasserie [Photo: Facebook]
