fantasy makeover part 1
Ming the’s is right on the river with a beautiful view and that could be enhanced with some landscaping and subtle lanterns. I can see a patio garden on the back that would be a huge hit on sunny days. A solid frosted sunshade roof providing shelter and kitchen herbs and climbing flowers creating open walls, an oasis of peace for business luncheons and relaxing tourists. It was dark when we arrived and I did not see much of the front of the building as we walked around from the parking area, so I will leave the outside for someone else to re-design and focus on the inside. The entrance; there is a lot of space here that needs help I want to feel like I am walking into a temple, a sanctuary ream coloured walls, some of those lovely paintings, tasteful maroon armchairs or settees inviting diners wait for their table to open. I want someone there to greet me who makes me feel like I am their personal guest. A good memory for names in a host or hostess can ensure that your regulars remain your regulars. People bring their friends to places where they are greeted by name, that is a fact. The washrooms could easily be transformed with a bit of paint and some living plants and lighting. Frame the mirrors, hang some decent paintings and have good hand soap. It’s all in the details. I would go with more subtle colours in the overall decor, perhaps a deep maroon and ivory offset with hunter green and royal blue in accent. That would compliment the interesting paintings that gallery the entrance, though I would suggest a tasteful display throughout the rooms would allow one to appreciate them better. The hall leading to the dining rooms may be short but it could be quite elegant with a bit of enhancement, and as suggested, the gallery of paintings has far too many frames in a row, distributing them around the whole place would unify the atmosphere. The first dining area was not open on the night we were there, but I imagine it is full in season. It makes sense to do it this way, but an expanse of empty tables creates a distinct impression on first time visitors, an ‘Oh oh, have we made a mistake?” sensation. A couple of properly placed, aesthetic paper screens may be one way to shift this effect on nights they do not expect to be busy. The second dining area is partitioned by a glass wall which is perfectly creates a sensation of separation while maintaining a sense of expansiveness. Proper lighting with dimmer switches against the window wall here, and a few live vining plants could enhance the feeling of coziness without losing the spacious effect. Use the large back window facing the river in all seasons as the focal point of the restaurant, situating romantic couple tables along the window, with room for the larger parties bracketing so the line from the kitchen is unobstructed for the servers. Tables need to be larger to accommodate a smoother service, I like the places that have the wheel in the centre of the table so that passing of dishes is graceful, our table of four sat three, yet felt crowded and it was awkward to serve oneself. The place settings aught to compliment the graciousness of the food, Deep maroon table cloths with Ivory overlay for the lazy susan. Ivory cloth napkins, water and wine glasses and decent chopsticks with holders would shift the whole experience into five stars. Comfortable elegant chairs make the diners feel like Kings and Queens, and they will stay long enough for desert and liqueurs.