Adding an additional 42 seats to the modern Mexican restaurant, Chef
Jose Andres'
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana will open the doors to its expanded bar area on Friday, June 14th.
The some 900-squarefeet of additional space is designed to complement the existing venue, with Oyamel's signature butterfly accents reappearing in the new lounge in order to create a subtle continuity.
An acrylic bar draws focus as the social nucleus of the new room, with white butterflies suspended from above. And custom made high top drum tables, made of walnut wood by local designer
Earl Brown, are thoughtfully positioned in the center in order to accommodate any spillover crowds.
A series of black leather settee-style sofas provide booth seating on the left side of the lounge, with each separated by a sheer partition on which a holographic display is projected of a dream-like sequence.
By far, however, the new room's self-described "private enclave" is the most compelling addition to Oyamel. Centered within the room-within-a-room is an elegant white marine plywood table that seats up to seven, on a series of transparent Louis XV-style chairs culled from designer
Philippe Starck's "Ghost Chair" collection.