last friday, a curious series of circumstances landed me in the enviable postion of brain-storming ideas with one of my favorite designers, charles de lisle. that's what i call a happy friday! i've been following charles' work for several years now. if he's not on your radar- he should be. more artist than deisgner, charles was kind enough to allow us access to his san francisco studio where we viewed his latest creations. we discussed clé tiles and charles' own favorite tiles along with his current design projects.
one happened to be a new cafe, bistro maximo, located in the colonia roma neighborhood of mexico city. the chef, lalo guzman has returned to mexico after working in renowned restaurants including le bernadin in nyc. his modern take on regional foods made from regional ingredients is served up in a charles de lisle space using this same regional theme.
the neighborhood corner of Zacatecas and Tonala makes for perfect outdoor seating.
from local sources, charles used custom green "gingham" concrete tiles (similar to moroccan tiles) and a vintage modern chandelier.
the plating is also vintage mixed with dinnerware from a pottery nearby.
the "tree of life" was created by the grandson of one of the last plaster craftsman of this traditional church ornamentation.
chairs designed by de lisle and hand made from mesquite in the valley past san miguel de allende.
