The University City neighborhood of Philadelphia has welcomed Danlu, a new Taiwanese concept from chef Patrick Feury. New York-based firm Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) oversaw the design, which balances a casual ambiance with an opulent sensibility.
“We were asked to design a fun, cool, and approachable space that was café casual in ambiance while still sophisticated,” says JBI founder and CEO Jeffrey Beers. “Michael Wei and his partners wanted to make sure the materiality was rich, but not intimidating, and included a magnificent focal piece in the main dining room.”
A marriage of natural and textured materials evoke sophistication alongside colorful, graffiti-style murals that depict the Chinese character for Danlu. Hexagonal, faux concrete floor tiles are installed along with embossed, antique silver accent panels that offset walnut millwork and wood beam, basketweave ceiling grills. A beer and whiskey barrel display is installed adjacent to the open kitchen, which is lined with glazed bricks. Mixed plank wood tabletops complement tufted banquettes upholstered in graphic fabrics, while a communal table crafted from wood planks and blackened metal trim is detailed with exposed rivets. Handmade, blackened metal armature chandeliers illuminate the dining room along with a glowing light band the lines the edge of the mezzanine.
