inspiration for down the road

Every now and then, I have to remind myself that I have bigger and better dreams ahead of me. Because when I start to think a little too hard about what is I want to be doing and the complications and difficulties that are associated with getting there, a girl can become just a little too overwhelmed, a little too quickly. Which is why I like reminding myself that someday, down the road, I'm going to have a little place of my own. A small, casual restaurant with approachable but thoroughly interesting and delicious food, an approachable but diverse wine list and craft beer selection, and a lobster bake every Sunday in the Summer. My restaurant will be near the water. My restaurant will be fabulous in every way. With a pitch like that, how could it not be, right?

We can discuss your standing reservations later. Because I just came across these photos for the new Lower East Side restaurant The Fat Radish (the word "fat" will be nowhere to be found in my restaurant) and I let out a gasp. This is my aesthetic, actualized. A Scandinavian feel with undeniably Parisian accents. The minimalistic yet warm and inviting look is one that I stand behind. It makes perfect sense to me. And it's the kind of environment that encourages relaxation but with a certain air of sophistication. Behold the look book for the restaurant of my future:

Photos courtesy of Eater