Heart of Italy in Montreal: Clarke Café's Irresistible Italian Sandwich Extravaganza!
Ivy Studio Elevates Your Taste Buds
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Hello, dear Italian food lovers!
At Design Hunger we truly believe that Italy is the heart of the food industry. With centuries of cooking techniques that other countries have tried to skill, however it never truly feels the same. It seems that we have found a solution, just simply bring Italy to you!
That is exactly what Ivy Studio of Clarke Café did in the beautiful city of Montreal. When a new space opened up they saw an opportunity and took their Italian sandwich shop to the next level.
With a footprint of 1400 square feet on the ground floor and the same amount in the basement, the new location seemed perfect to hold all possible Italian food lovers in one place.
The space was optimized with a dining area visually open, a beautiful seating facade, and even a grocery section for clients to scout the locally made products and imported goods.
With the reputation the café already had, it was crucial for the design to be very warm and welcoming. Although it has become a destination over time, Clarke Café has always been known as an unpretentious eatery serving mostly locals in the area.
With that in mind, the new space was designed to feel like an establishment that had always been there rather than the new kid on the block.
The overall aesthetic was strongly inspired by a nostalgic image of traditional Italian cafés.
With all peripheral walls covered in a classic light cream painted v-board cladding and checkered matte ceramic floors that mimic the shop's signature wax paper.
What stands out most when entering the space is the abundance of millwork. Classic details like the banquette backrests, wall shelving and standing counter structure help create the desired nostalgic atmosphere.
Lighting is meant to be as simple as the rest of the design, with traditional ornamental globes used to create bespoke pendants above the banquette and flush mounts on the central ceiling grid.
Ultimately, multiple layers of family photos, local art and abundant products take over the space to give it that extra familiar feel that makes Clarke Café the welcoming local establishment it has always been.
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