Chef Paul Carmichael and Momofuku have unveiled Kabawa and Bar Kabawa, a restaurant and adjacent 24-seat daiquiri and wine bar in New York that pay homage to Caribbean culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship.
A love letter to island life
Designed in collaboration with Joseph Alayón Ormaza of New York- and Puerto Rico-based based studio SUITE, the split-space concept channels the energy and hospitality of a Caribbean family home.
While rooted in a shared visual language of bold color, natural materials, and layered artistry, Kabawa evokes the feel of a formal island dining room. The space is anchored by a sweeping mosaic mural by artists Princess SeDa and Gaby Ruben that depict a vibrant tableau of Caribbean landscapes and daily life. Ruben also reimagined and repurposed lighting fixtures throughout, adding tactility and texture.
The design is further enriched by the work of Dominican-American artist Raelis Vasquez, whose paintings explore Afro-Caribbean identity, memory, and the intimacy of familial rituals. His emotionally resonant pieces span both Kabawa and Bar Kabawa, weaving a visual thread between the two spaces.
Bar Kabawa
Adjacent to the restaurant, Bar Kabawa offers a more intimate counterpoint with rich wood finishes, tropical-toned upholstery, and a relaxed, elevated ambiance.
Two custom paintings by Vasquez serve as visual anchors, capturing quiet moments from everyday island life.
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