BLUE RIBBON SUSHI BAR & GRILL

Los Angeles, CA

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill, at the Grove in Los Angeles, is the first West Coast location by brothers and chefs Eric and Bruce Bromberg. The main spatial concept of the room is a wooden vault, with exposed ribs, that floats 20 feet above seating and the sushi bar. This vault recalls the form of ancient Japanese fishing trawlers. The lower strata of the space adjacent to diners is bathed in a warm glow from the polished white plaster set into natural cedar woodwork. The sushi bar situated at the rear of the room celebrates the theatrical nature of the cuisine, with the sushi chefs serving as able actors - this is Los Angeles after all. Beyond the sushi bar, an intimate jewel box bar offers an experience juxtaposed to the grand vaulted main room. Laser-cut backlit bronze screens, designed by the architects, are composed of shapes inspired by traditional Japanese symbols, and together with deep amber glass tiles produce a warm glow set in a space sheathed in cedar. Outside, the restaurant lounge seating and dining is enshrouded in local flora. The entry beckons under a 40 foot high glistening, variegated blue tile wall that sparkles under the California sun.

Project by Asfour Guzy Architects.