Late Night Kitchen Shenzhen
Late night kitchen, Late at night, hungry people seek refuge.
The black walls and domed ceiling create a serene overture; the red terrazzo floor glows like dawn's first light, igniting the senses. The flickering flames evoke a mysterious yet passionate ambiance, reminiscent of a hearth that illuminates the culinary arts. In the late-night kitchen, friends gather around the warmth of the stove, surrounded by the fragrant aroma of soup and the gentle glow of light. This scene captures the essence of “the rich aroma of tea on a cold night, the hearth reflecting rosy faces.”
In the reception area, blocks of acrylic light serve as brushes of illumination, softening the interplay of black and red tones and adding a touch of transparency and warmth. The reception desk, featuring natural abstract patterns of tree burl, bears the whispers of time, with each vein telling a story—thoughtfully coloring this space.
As one moves deeper into the foyer, a black corridor beckons, unveiling a secret realm. At the corner stands a Molteni&C cruise cabinet, a balance of architectural beauty and practicality, evoking the grandeur of sailing the seas and the joy of fishermen's bountiful harvests. This is also the junction leading to the culinary space, where every turn promises a profound journey for the palate and spirit, enveloped in artistic inspiration.
The dining area mostly adopts a semi-enclosed layout, with screens gently wrapping around, offering a balance of openness and privacy. The screens, draped in silver, are as delicate as feathers; soft light from wall sconces casts shimmering reflections, akin to a fisherman casting a silver net to capture a room filled with brilliance. The metallic sheen of the silver foil, with its high reflectivity, brightens the black-and-red sanctuary, where light and shadow dance harmoniously, dispelling any heaviness.
The dome of the dining area features metallic art paint reminiscent of a twilight sky, with exquisite paintings suspended against a backdrop of deep black stone textures, accentuated by gentle light and shadow that enhance their intricate vibrancy.
On the dining tables sit specially crafted silver folding lamps that visually guide the rhythmic flow of the experience, channeling natural light into the space. The seasonal transitions bring a soft hue to the cuisine, as if the essence of the ingredients transcends time, evoking primitive flavors. In this interplay of light and shadow, diners gather and savor their meals with a sense of rhythm.
Within the private rooms, deep black walls are adorned with warm lighting elements, elegantly inscribing the names of dishes to enhance the atmosphere. The street-facing windows, framed in black aluminum with frosted glass, maintain privacy while allowing glimpses of the outside greenery, where light filters through the leaves in a dappled dance. Inside, glasses clink and conversations flow—sharing anecdotes of ancient and modern times, or indulging in the boundless musings of life, where wisdom and humor intertwine.
To the left, a corridor unfurls a tapestry of Chaoshan cuisine, where delicate brushstrokes evoke authentic flavors, inviting guests to appreciate the essence before savoring the taste—a quiet revelation of cultural depth. The layout is meticulous, with restrooms and the cashier area flanking either side of the corridor, distinctly separated from the dining area to ensure privacy and mystique. At the end, a silver screen gracefully shifts, revealing a brightly lit dining space that is both profound and layered.
Food should be refined, and dishes should be meticulously prepared. — The Analects
Chaoshan cuisine is not merely a feast for the appetite but a treasure of Chinese civilization. Seasonal delicacies, mountain treasures, and flavors from the deep sea all come together in the kitchen, where a splendid array of dishes awaits. During the Tang Dynasty, Han Yu, visiting Chaozhou, praised the cuisine's delights, remarking, "The dish is so exquisite that it captivates the eye. The other dozens of varieties are equally worthy of admiration."
The restaurant entrance cleverly divides into two pathways: to the left, a hidden path reserved for the kitchen's culinary secrets, leading to a realm of gastronomic delight; to the right, a grand entrance welcoming guests to a shared dining experience—a true feast for the senses.
- Interiors: JG PHOENIX
- Photos: Ouyang Yun