Client: Le Bernardin

Overview

The Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is located in mid-town Manhattan off an inner plaza called 6-1/2 Avenue, uniquely adorned with Sol Lewitt Wall Drawings from the public art program. The art energy in the outside plaza is purposely brought into the small 1,600 square foot interior space. The room is covered in light white-washed cork (wine related) to create a welcoming light-filled space as compared to the previous restaurant that was very dark. Now patrons can see inside easily. The interior space is a warm intimate art filled “living room” of the well-known sommelier of Le Bernardin, Aldo Sohm.

Goals

The owner had a collection of artwork to select from. The piece over the bar was from this collection. The main grid of 42 pieces was commissioned for the space by the artist Cat Man. These small paintings all relate to the activity of enjoying wine and were created with fun messages to encourage conversation about them. They enliven the space and fill it with color. Additional art was added by us – the architects/artists. Several wall prints and sculptures on the shelves were designed by Bentel & Bentel Architects (print to right of shelf – Dr. Paul Bentel; terra-cotta eye – Nikolas Bentel; doves on top shelf- Michela Bentel; metal hand on shelf by Cat Man art – Lukas Bentel). Sepia prints were made of specific vineyards, to be interchangeable in the wine tasting room – depending on the wine Aldo wants to test.

Process

The Owner, sommelier, artist and architects were all very collaborative. It was a mixture of many types of art that one could imagine in Aldo’s home. There is a variety to make it seem as if it were acquired over time and that it reflects different aspects of Aldo’s life.

Additional Information

The central part of the room is defined by a large custom designed sofa which sits on a custom rug and crafted glass balls of light. Wood screens surround the room providing some privacy as well as adding the warmth of wood. The central bar is open on both ends so that patrons may side alongside the sommelier and participate in the bar activities. This is reminiscent of the shared high kitchen counter in some homes. Bookcases surround the space with objects from the life of the host.