It’s an adage that art aficionado and space curator Glenn Cuevo lives by: “Everything that takes up space deserves respect”. Cuevo doesn’t believe in clutter because of this. Instead he believes that everything you bring home should be intentional. His Makati home carries this philosophy clearly. A walk into his Makati condominium shows a carefully […]
Carlo’s Italian Restaurant Brings a Slice of Manhattan to Manila
Manila’s newest culinary sensation, Carlo’s Italian Restaurant provides a fully immersive dining experience that transports diners to Little Italy in Manhattan. This space captures the essence of an era when Italian immigrants brought their rich culinary traditions to America, influencing what we now know as American-Italian gastronomy. At Carlo’s, this story is told through its menu and the meticulously crafted design of the space.
Envisioning the Ambiance
Designer JJ Acuña of Hong Kong-based JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio was instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s unique ambiance. “It’s about mentally immersing myself in the envisioned ambiance and narrative,” Acuña explains. “It’s envisioning the quintessential experience of dining in New York’s Little Italy and translating it seamlessly to a setting like Manila. This mental journey informs our creative process, guiding us from conceptualization to execution.”
Acuña’s approach begins with an intuitive connection to the energy and spirit of the place. “The spirit of the space originates from a dream—an idealized vision that guided our team. When conceptualizing a space, I dove into the nuances: the play of light at dusk, the bustling energy of a kitchen in full swing, the warmth of a welcoming host, and the proximity of a sizzling pizza oven. Each of these elements contributes to a rich and deep narrative we aim to encapsulate,” he says.
A Slice of Little Italy in Manila
The clients envisioned a relaxed dining destination that would welcome guests throughout the day, from morning coffee to evening cocktails. Acuña reimagined the restaurant’s facade to transport diners away from the corporate landscape and into the heart of Little Italy. The entrance is designed to create a distinctive foyer with old-world charm.
Spatial Planning and Design Narrative
The restaurant’s efficient compartmentalization is reminiscent of New York City train cars and the lower floors of historical brownstones. This contributes to the overall design narrative. A counter-height “Coffee-to-Cocktails Bar” anchors the Main Dining Area at the front of the restaurant. This centerpiece features exquisite oak timber hardwood details and an antique brass-frame mirror hanging overhead. The color palette integrates patinas from the hardwood, antique frames, and fabrics in Carlo’s signature colors. This creates a seamless blend of contemporary and nostalgic mid-century modern aesthetics.
The success of Carlo’s Italian Restaurant’s design lies in the collaborative effort between the designer and the client. “Through meticulous attention to detail, innovative furniture design, bespoke architectural elements, and nuanced lighting schemes, we breathed life into this vision,” Acuña reflects. “The passion of the team and the culinary delights of Carlo’s truly animate the space, transforming it into an unforgettable experience for patrons.”
Read more about Carlo’s Italian Restaurant by ordering your copy of BluPrint Volume 1, available via the sarisari.shopping website, Shopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download via Readly, Press Reader, and Magzter.
Photographed by Ed Simon.
Read more: Goldenberg Mansion: Heritage Restoration in the Heart of Manila
Ilog Hanggang Laot: A Palestinian Solidarity Art Exhibit expresses the need to support Palestinian refugees and causes in the country. The exhibit opened on September 13 at the SFAD Art Space of the Philippine Women’s University. Running until October 11, the exhibit was organized by art collective and labor rights activists SIKAD. Multiple artists participated […]
There’s no denying that fall is synonymous with warm colors. Reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and purples reflect the vibrant tones of fallen leaves that typically make up this season’s palette. At home, these classic shades bring a cozy and inviting atmosphere whether used in small or large accents. However, a surprising and less traditional hue […]
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Mactan Island, Cebu, Pueblo de Oro Townsquare stands as a testament to innovative architectural design. The project, designed by Barchan + Architecture, seamlessly blends local cultural elements with modern functionality. It exemplifies a harmonious convergence of community needs, sustainable practices, and aesthetic appeal. In an interview with Jason Buensalido, […]
Eyes Closed, the newest exhibit at Galerie Stephanie, finds the balance between realism and fantasy in the paintings featured. Italian artist Nunzio Paci revels in capturing the middle ground of life and death, creating something both haunting and calming in the process. Paci works with the idea of portraying life as dreamlike and intangible. It […]
Ayala Museum proudly hosted the Asian premiere of “Zóbel: The Future of the Past” on September 14, 2024. First showcased at Spain’s Museo Nacional del Prado in 2022, this comprehensive exhibition is a tribute to Fernando Zóbel. The renowned artist and art critic played a pivotal role in shaping both Philippine and global art history. […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]