Remodeling is a bi-annual routine for Bar Rouge. That makes sense. A bar like this can take real beating over the course of six months, never mind two years. Think of all the nightly foot-traffic, those countless champagne spills and cigarette burns. What's changed this time around? To the casual observer, perhaps not much. The color scheme is still dominated by the namesake rouge. The bar remains firmly planted in the center, and we reckon they'll still be setting it aflame with a rivulet of 151. Still, they've introduced several new details. For starters, hovering above it are multicolored glass fixtures reminiscent of champagne flutes and bottles--a subliminal message to get you to order more bubbly. Along the side of that are several high-top tables covered in faux alligator skin and shaped like stiletto heels. For the elite party-goer they've cordoned off a special area that's been branded with a Dom Perignon insignia. Most notably, they've amped up the visual stimulation with an enormous 11-meter-wide LED mural that flashes logos and video loops. Bar Rouge will be unveiling it all to to their adoring public this weekend.
el Willy
For el Willy, it wasn't so much a facelift as it was a wholesale migration. Once again, Willy Trullás Moreno has enlisted his brother Max's firm MQ Studio to oversee the design. You've likely seen his work before at el Coctel and, more recently, at Willy's latest sandwich and hotdog shop Bikini. The first thing you'll probably notice in the new space is that, unfortunately, al fresco dining is no longer an option. There is only one terrace in the building and that went to Zeal upstairs. They're hoping, however, that a Huangpu view will compensate for that loss. What's also striking about the place is how much Willy's affinity for all things Japanese shines through. A lot of the kitschy anime bric-a-brac and pop records he had decorated the now-defunct Ohana with fill random nooks and crannies. You see it in the Japanese-style sunken bar seated with chairs rather than stools as well. The dining room proper is bright and open. Glass partitions are painted with whimsical, child-like seascapes and slogans. They're slidable and can reorient the floor plan for private parties. Finally, a new space needs a new brand. So they've introduced a brand-spanking new logo, an abstract pig snout. You'll see it emblazoned on every bread plate on every table. [CORRECTION]: We made a tiny mistake about el Willy's sandwich shop Bikini. The actual designers are the firm WE Design, not MQ Studio. Our apologies to all parties involved.
The Spot
The Spot Bar has undergone the most dramatic metamorphosis. The design firm Lime 388 has ripped out that stark, slapdash decor and replaced it with something much more warm and inviting. The facade is lined in timber. The plain red Helvetica signage has been replaced with something far more stylish. Inside, blond wood floors border with black marble, putting the vivid yellow furnishings into deep relief. The bar as been uprooted and pushed against the wall to make room for a yellow-felt pool table. In the back, a frosted glass window with wrought iron embellishments brings in some much needed natural light by day. They're also placing more emphasis on the restaurant side of the operation. They've annexed the neighboring property and built a huge kitchen. There is also a quieter sit-down dining area behind an automatic sliding door.
Glamour Bar
The spirit of Glamour bar remains largely unchanged. It still embodies that same signature feminine elegance. The same goes for the layout. The bar remains the centerpiece. That makes sense, though, if it ain't broke, why fix it? They have, however, completely overhauled the cocktail list with some new signature martinis and other classic mixes. The rear bar is still there as well, but they've oriented it more toward champagne cocktails. The south side of the space is what's seen the biggest changes. They've installed one of those Enomatic wine dispensers that are all the rage these days. You can get a debit card at the bar and fill your glass to your heart's content. Sidled up next to that is a long communal table of polished steel with a fleur de lys flourish at its eastern end. Another big change is the new food menu. Expect a selection of Mediterranean-inspired bar snacks like "baby battered squid," "fancy fish fingers," artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
