Great Design Is On Exhibit At This L.A. Museum’s Eatery

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Great Design Is On Exhibit At This L.A. Museum's Eatery

The Hammer Museum’s new restaurant, Audrey, elevates Westwood’s dining scene with a look that’s as enticing as its menu.

Designed, or reimagined, by Michael Maltzan Architects, who have been working with the museum on a multi-phase renovation and expansion since 1999, and London-based firm Fettle, the striking indoor-outdoor space reflects the flavors of restaurateur Soa Davies Forrest and chef Lisa Giffen’s cuisine: lamb kofta, Swiss chard with anchovy vinaigrette and preserved lemon, hand-cut tagliatelle with mushroom Bolognese and smoked fiore sardo, plus inspired cocktails and wines from small producers.

“Our goal was to design a contemporary yet comfortable space that would be a destination for museum-goers and for Los Angeles as a whole,” says Fettle director and co-founder Tom Parker. “We developed a layout in which every seat has a fantastic view, and chose fabrics to complement the food–olive green and orange-pink tones represent the earthy shades of the Mediterranean,” he explains, also noting the colorful tile installation by prominent Cuban-American artist Jorge Pardo whose eye-catching pendant lights sparkle inside the eatery and from trees in the courtyard.

“The design language blends neatly with the existing museum aesthetic while connecting the restaurant to the museum’s public space,” adds MMA principal Gee-ghid Tse.

And the public is more than welcome to enjoy a meal or just a drink at the 30-foot-long bar even if viewing one of the museum’s provocative exhibitions wasn’t on their menu.

PHOTO COURTESY AUDREY AT THE HAMMER