REDD
Rochester, NY
Redd, in Rochester, NY, is the second restaurant by Guzy Architects for Michelin starred Chef Richard Reddington, following Redd in Yountville, CA. Redd is in the center of the city, just off East Avenue, the main street of Rochester, in a century old former automotive repair facility. The design is inspired by Reddington's cuisine, easily accessible and brightly flavored, clarifying each ingredient used in a dish. Richard and co-owner, Dennis Wilmot, wanted to create a place that is open and accessible to all people. The design celebrates the inherent qualities of the existing building by utilizing the structural grid and forging an aesthetic that is at once industrial and yet refined. Textured acoustical attenuating natural fiber panels and a single large pendant light fill each ceiling bay. The grey stained white oak and saddle leather banquettes, walnut tables, architect designed wait stations, and painted existing brick interior walls provide a varied, yet unified palette. A very large partitioning sliding glass door can be utilized for private events, but ensures that this space otherwise feels like part of the restaurant. The open view to the kitchen is framed by the large zinc bar, which is illuminated by opal shaded bar top lamps. At the center of Redd, an entire wall displays the chef's collection of cook books. The wall opposite the entry features a mural titled 'Aside the Mountaintop', by Brian Alfred, providing a view of the farmland nearby in the Finger Lakes, where much of the restaurant's food is harvested.