l'escale

architect: reenie (karin) elliott and francois girardin
building type+location: expensive french restaurant in downtown manhattan, new york
invisible elements:

1. clients desire for an expensive traditional ‘guimard’ type french restaurant image won out over my inexpensive ‘industrial chic’ façade.
2. the mayor of haute savoie in full mountain attire dancing on the bar and grand prix racing drivers were not an uncommon sight in this restaurant
3. owner would offer tequila to the wealthy american ladies – they would then be invited to suck lemon slice from his lips and lick salt from his shoulder
4. architects fees were paid in kind – evening meals in l’escale

client: serious marcels brother, funlovin’ patrick
completion date: ongoing