Charlie Trotter restaurant planned for Palazzo

18 April 2008

PRINCETON, New Jersey –- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design LLC (JZA+D) has partnered with world-renowned chef Charlie Trotter to open Restaurant Charlie, located in The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The restaurant, celebrating its grand opening this weekend, creates an entirely unique dining experience, balancing Chef Trotter's vision of unforgettable cuisine with striking architecture and interiors. Selected for its proven ability to provide true design innovation and its commitment to a "complete design" approach, JZA+D created the look and feel of the new restaurant from start to finish, including overall design, furniture and lighting.

"With Restaurant Charlie, we sought to create an atmosphere that paralleled Chef Trotter's world-class cuisine and The Palazzo's luxury setting," said JZA+D principal Joshua Zinder. "The result is a complete dining experience that spans from the award-winning food to the one-of-a-kind design. Restaurant Charlie blends traditional architectural and interior elements with elegant new innovations to maintain a modern and inviting experience."

We're thrilled with the design that Joshua has provided for us On the edge of The Palazzo casino floor, Restaurant Charlie's front façade is an instant draw for passersby. Etched glass placed in alternating lines creates a multidimensional effect, animating the interior of the restaurant for those walking outside it while maintaining privacy from stationary onlookers. Lacewood piers evoke essences of Japanese timber framing and folded paper. These folded panels are woven throughout the space in patterns of increasing density from the bar/lounge to Bar Charlie, to first connect the restaurant with the casino, yet ultimately immerse guests in a unique, intimate dining experience. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are exposed to horizontal bands of figured Anegre hard wood surrounded by Venetian plaster, and an illuminated, patterned ceiling that mimics the floor's intricate stonework.

Highlighting Restaurant Charlie's uniqueness is the novel Kitchen Table Loft, the first of its kind in Las Vegas. Inviting guests to dine at the "Chef's Table" in the actual kitchen is a trademark of Chef Trotter's Chicago restaurant, Charlie Trotter's. Challenged to maximize kitchen space while incorporating this signature element, JZA+D took the concept a step further, suspending a stainless steel and glass-railed circular platform and table high above the hustle and bustle of the Chef's most dynamic room. Up to eight guests can take a bird's eye view of the culinary creation transpiring below. Direct views include that of the cook line, garde mange and the pastry station. Accentuating the walls of this space are murals taken directly from Chef Trotter's colorful and textured cookbooks.

"We're thrilled with the design that Joshua has provided for us," said Chef Charlie Trotter. "He's captured and executed the exact vision we had in mind -- one that takes the tastes and flavors of the restaurant and brings it alive through architectural and interior perfection."

In addition to the imaginative Kitchen Table Loft, JZA+D has created and designed a number of distinct spaces within Restaurant Charlie.

Bar Charlie

JZA+D has brought Chef Trotter's sushi and kaiseki-style dining experience to life by creating a space wrapped with folded lacewood panels, chiseled bluestone and green marble. The environment captures the haiku-like experience of small, distinct courses served at carefully timed intervals, which in turn reflects the uniqueness of Chef Trotter's approach. Cracked, golden and glazed tiling provides a backdrop for the fresh seafood preparation below. Additionally, pendant lights provide a golden hue, complemented by perimeter lighting designed to illuminate the wood panels and displays. In Bar Charlie, JZA+D has captured the desired atmospheres of distinctiveness, warmth and simplicity.

Bar and Lounge

As unique as its drink menu, Restaurant Charlie's bar and lounge design reflects JZA+D's innovative approach. Frosted circles atop the blue mirrored bar illuminate drinks placed on them from below. At the perimeter of the bar leading to the main dining area is the wine room, surrounding guests with over 3,000 wine bottles that appear to be floating.

Main Dining Room

Passing through the wine room, guests enter the main dining room which capitalizes on Chef Trotter's jazz influence. JZA+D has incorporated Sapele pomele wood, fabric, glass and Venetian plaster throughout the room and in the ceiling, recalling Chef Trotter's culinary style by bringing traditional materials together in an unexpected yet elegant manner. This balanced atmosphere wraps guests in rich warmth to enjoy a perfect meal.

Location & Availability

Restaurant Charlie is located on the casino level of The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, N.V. The restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner only with service beginning at 5:00 p.m. For more restaurant information, visit Charlietrotters.com.