Written by 
Undoubtedly the restaurant’s showstopper, Rottenberg’s sculptural installation takes the form of a fairy tale-like vine formation illuminated by mushroom-like coloured orbs. Crafted from recycled plastics and invasive bittersweet vines culled from upstate forests, it’s a piece that embodies ecological awareness while capturing the joyful, collaborative spirit of the space.
Mary Heilman’s Floating Tile Tables further add to the scheme’s conviviality, their crayon-box hues injecting a childlike exuberance into the dining experience. Featuring an organic-shaped ceramic tile embedded into the wooden tabletops, each table is a unique masterpiece, handcrafted with love and precision. Equally striking is Rashid Johnson’s seven-metre-long mosaic table paired with a custom red rug, which anchors the private dining room with bold, dynamic energy. Even the chairs—serpentine Kolho designs by Matthew Day Jackson—reflect the restaurant’s ethos; sculptural yet functional, they underscore Manuela’s belief that everyday objects deserve artistry.
This dialogue between art and design extends to the restaurant’s murals. From Rita Ackermann’s expressive gestures to Pat Steir’s meditative abstractions, the walls seem to breathe, each piece amplifying the narrative of the space. Meanwhile, Louise Bourgeois’ bronze Spider II (1995) casts a delicate shadow over the proceedings, serving as a poetic reminder of the interconnected threads between art, space, and community.