Project Title: Prime Seafood Palace
Architect: Omar Gandhi Architect
Location: Toronto, Canada
Completion Year: 2022
Overview:
Prime Seafood Palace, situated in Toronto's vibrant West Queen West neighborhood, is a culinary retreat designed by Omar Gandhi Architect. The restaurant's architecture is conceived as a "light-filled wood cathedral," offering a serene escape from the bustling urban environment.
Design Concept:
The interior features a two-story wood-slat vault suspended from the roof, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A wood-clad element runs the length of the restaurant, filtering indirect natural light to produce a soft glow within the space. Vertical brass screens provide privacy while maintaining a subtle connection to the street, enhancing the intimate dining experience.
Materials and Aesthetics:
The design employs a neutral material palette, primarily consisting of white maple and brass, which serves as a backdrop to the restaurant's culinary offerings. Natural leather-upholstered booths wrap two walls of the main dining area, drawing inspiration from traditional diners, including the owner's grandfather's Blue Goose Restaurant on Prince Edward Island.
Lighting and Ambiance:
A state-of-the-art lighting control system adjusts interior light levels in response to exterior conditions, ensuring a consistently comfortable atmosphere. Carefully curated music complements the sensory experience, contributing to the restaurant's warm and welcoming ambiance.
Collaborations and Custom Elements:
The project involved collaborations with local artisans and designers. Coolican & Company crafted custom furniture, including large booth tables with concealed drawers for the restaurant’s Perceval steak knives from Thiers, France. A special edition maple "Edwin Chair" was designed with brass spindles to reference the brass screens throughout the main dining space.
Significance:
Prime Seafood Palace exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary design elements, creating a timeless space that enhances the dining experience. The thoughtful use of natural materials, innovative lighting, and collaboration with local craftsmen underscore the restaurant's commitment to quality and attention to detail.
