![\"FAMOUS](\"http:\/\/www.brabbu.com\/en\/news-events\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/19.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSEE ALSO:\u00a0ARCHITECTURE NEWS \u2013 ECCLESTONE TOWNHOUSE BY DAVID CHIPPERFIELD<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Asian-Cuban restaurant\u2019s kitchen is led by Cuban born and raised Executive Chef Luis Pous, whose passion and extensive knowledge of the Cuban cuisine takes centre stage, offering up an impressive spread of classic Cuban food\u00a0mixed with Asian flavours.\u00a0The reimagined menu consists of six main sections: ceviches, small plates, salads, wok, plancha and platos grandes served alongside a selection of Pous\u2019s\u00a0sumptuous signature plates.<\/p>\n Complementing the cuisine, de\u00a0C\u00e1rdenas conceived an enticing interior that acts\u00a0as homage to Havana\u2019s hazy and seductive nightlife, aiming to include hints of the fun and tropical into the formal, yet contemporary space. Walls are adorned with a walnut panelling and a monolithic ceiling light suspends the dining area in a perpetual state of twilight, highlighting considered details, such as the tonal grey oak stained floors, sheer curtains and glistening accents of brass throughout.<\/p>\n Wallpaper*: What inspired you for the new Asia de Cuba interiors? What references did you use?<\/strong> What was the commission\u2019s most challenging element?<\/strong> Is your design process different when designing restaurants and\u00a0bars, than, say with residential or retail interiors?<\/strong> Your designs have a sense of playfulness and performance. Would you agree? How important is playfulness in your architecture?\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nRafael de C\u00e1rdenas:<\/strong>\u00a0[The film]\u00a0Less Than Zero<\/em>, when Blair, Julian and Clay are having dinner in a blue-lit restaurant in a booth. And the idea of trees from the four seasons, as well as the old Russian Tea Room before it was renovated in the late 90s.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWorking on a reinterpretation of one of my heroes\u2019 (Philippe\u00a0Starck) classic projects.<\/p>\n
\nThe process, or a lack of a definitive one, is typical to the way I\u00a0start a project. I\u00a0build on a fantasy.<\/p>\n
\nWell, playful in the sense that I hope people feel a sense of departure from their everyday\u2026which is exciting for a restaurant \u2013 [to be] a fantasy, not a simulation of your home.<\/p>\n