Hello! I've missed you all and apologize for my lack of posts and comments on your wonderful blogs! I ended up quite sick and then was traveling with my boss all week.
While the South is getting colder, we do have a few warm snaps, which make dining out all the more fun. I posted on Alto Rex before and Mr. Southern and I made it back for our anniversary, so I got the chance to take photos for you. It's funny- when I was researching my first post in May, there was very little buzz on the place. Now, 6 months later, lots of buzz!
Stairwell leading up to AltoRex, Kamikarin Flickr
The restaurant downstairs, Pacci, and AltoRex, were designed by San Francisco-based Puccini Group. Here's an idea- if you want a cool hotel, find one with a restaurant designed by this team.
We asked them to turn on the natural-gas powered fire pits and whoomph- instant warmth.
The "logs" are actually pieces of metal, which look pretty cool in and of themselves without the fire going. Riverrock and lava rock cover (I assume) the natural gas pipes.
There are lots of little seating areas- all featuring big pops of green.
Underneath the arbor here is a waterfall wall and little tables.
A closer shot of the waterfall wall. I love the mix of materials used here. Warmth of the wood, cold stone walls...
Great use of topi
aries here to disguise (or at least downplay) the vents.
More seating near the back, including little cabanas. Note all the green!!
I love how they incorporated grass through the tile design.
Adore the Chippendale bench.
I think this is a great idea to liven up a blank wall.
In case of bad weather, cozy up to the bar- again great mix of materials and the grassy-walled idea is copied here (but with faux grass). Hope everyone is doing well- can't wait to catch up!!
-Emmie
I hope you are feeling 100% soon. I'm sorry you've been ill. Thank you for taking the time to post these fun examples of great commercial outdoor spaces. I am ready to copy that metal framework that was installed in that gas fire pit. Very clever. The green & black are so perfect. So fun to see all the great elements.
ReplyDeleteRest..rest..rest this weekend. All the best to you x
I hope you are feeling better. That is quite a hotel. I love the firepit.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about this place, I cruise by all the time. Where are the pictures of the happy couple at dinner?
ReplyDeleteYour pics make me want to visit Alto Rex this weekend! You're right, the little pops of green are perfect. Hope you have a great weekend and a healthy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a very hip place to stay!
ReplyDeleteThis is going on my places to see list!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back and I hope you're feeling much better.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks fantastic -- the stairs and that outdoor firepit are truly stunning!
Looks like such a wonderful place to visit! And happy anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI love the pots on the wall, what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteVery cool place! Hope you are feeling better - have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found a blog with Southern charm, being a hopeless Northerner;-)
ReplyDeleteWhen I visit my in-laws in Chicago, I go to The Roof at the Wit Hotel, which boasts a flaming outdoor bar. The fire pits reminded me of it!