The Art of Dining: Inspired Menus and Inviting Spaces.

Abstract

This article explores the intersection of art and dining in order to argue that restaurant design is an underappreciated art form with the power to shift the way we think about food. The restaurants FOOD, The Fat Duck, and The Alchemist are used to support this argument. By analysing two key design elements of each restaurant, the interior and the menu, this article demonstrates their ability to create an engaging artistic experience for diners. The Fat Duck and The Alchemist are used as important examples of contemporary restaurants which succeed in creating multi-sensory dining experiences. It is argued that they are able to do so through their incorporation of elements of performance and visual artistry. These restaurants both build on the legacy of artist-run restaurants like FOOD, which is used as an example of a pioneering restaurant that transcended the functional needs of a space. Ultimately, this article encourages recognition of the artistic value of restaurant design by highlighting the intersection of art and dining within the culinary industry. Effectively, this fusion of disciplines has created new opportunities for artistic expression and engagement by urging chefs and customers to think differently about the role of food and dining in our lives.