Restaurants In Bloom

 What draws a dinner into a restaurant. Sometimes it's the great foodor the ambiance. Sometimes it's just the decor. A pretty eatery is bound to bring in not only hungry customers but ones hungry for its' aesthetics.

Regular contributer Priya Krishan wrote about this in today's New York Times Wednesday Food section. It seems more and more places are also going for a romantic , floral look that compliments the theme of the restaurant. The man responsible is Carlos Franqui. Mr. Franqui is behind such designs gracing Bar Americana and the East Villags Bungalow. Decorating restaurants is a growing trends. Eateries in London,Paris Toronto and Lagos, Nigeria all features arches full of blooms ,both real and plastic. The trend is growing so fast Mr. Franqui has expanded to Miami where the restaurant scene is always thriving. Mr. Ranqui is so popular that  even the Chinese company that he buys his fake flowers from called him because they saw how much he was buying from them. His unspiration comes from his hometown of Fajarda Puerto Rico, on the island's most easternmost coast. He tries to recreate the lush fronds and flowers of the rainforest.

What goes into an arch? It starts with braided branches of real curly willow and wisteria from New York State.over these are layered foliage and flowers, with Mr. Franqui, bending twirling and fluffing them to create a natural look. Many love them , finding the fronds the most important aspect of a restaurant. Paloma Picasso who died at Baby Brasa in the Village said it was not the food but the flowers that drew her in.There are headaches associated with the decorating. Competition is strong amongst other florists. Julie Testa had to block Mr Franqui's company Floratorium because people were confusing his work with hers. Then there was the fire hazard that the boughs caused at Bar Americana in Greenpoint Brooklyn. Mr. Franqui's business partner, Steve Kammerer has also complained that the boughs are difficult to clean and become dusty.Yet many places want the decorative arrangements to emphasize their restaurants themes.

What draws people into a restaurant? Boughs of pretty flowers. They add to the atmosphere and bring about a great dining atmosphere.