Greenwood
Written by @goofyyukyuk
Greenwood represents a change in pace from the bustling Harbortown that guests have just left to a calmer, more natural environment. The restaurant is more than a place to eat, although the food will be more than worth the price. More importantly, this will be a dining experience on an unparalleled level.
The experience begins from the moment guests step into the woods. Greeted by a host or hostess, they will follow a winding, rock path through the woods to their individual table nestled within a hollow in the woods. Colorful canopies cover the tables, giving an even more intimate feeling to the experience as well as providing shelter from potentially inclement conditions. The colors of the canopies vary by table, providing an aesthetic distinctiveness for each dining party, similar to different color themes on attractions like Dumbo or Peter Pan becoming guest favorites. The color palette extends to the tables, chairs, tablecloths, and napkins as well, with complimentary colors being chosen to highlight the idea that every detail of the dining experience is completely unique and personal to each party.
Another central theme of the experience is music, which seemingly comes from the forest itself. Melodies lofting through the trees brings an almost magical element to the already surreal experience. Rocks and trees will be outfitted with hidden speakers to accomplish this effect; however, the speakers will be at a volume level that can only be heard from within the secluded hollow in the woods that each party eats in. A sampling of this music, composed by the restaurant’s designer, serves as the background music for this view into the immersion of Greenwood.
Regarding dining itself, a significant aspect of dining at Greenwood will be the personalized experience each guest has. With each table being isolated, guests will receive truly personal attention from the waitstaff, as the capacity of the restaurant will be limited to allow for that intimacy. As this is an extremely high-profile restaurant, the average waiter or waitress would only be responsible for serving three to four tables to provide the utmost care and attention to our guests.
Obviously, logistics are a major consideration in a restaurant project as ambitious as this. In the center of the woods is the kitchen, with entrances and exits on all four sides. The kitchen will be surrounded by a ring of trees to hide it from the view of guests, but it will still be easily accessible for the waitstaff. Within each table area, there will be fans hidden in the trees that can either blow hot or cool air depending on the weather. This will allow for immersion in nature without compromising comfort-a central aim of Greenwood.
In order to facilitate as personal an experience as possible, the menu changes weekly. Not only does this ensure that each visit to Greenwood is unique, but it also keeps things fresh, exciting, and repeatable. The theme of the initial menu is autumnal surf and turf, in keeping with the theming of the surrounding area, being within a wooded area near Harbortown. The 9 course meal balances refinement with classic flavors and innovative culinary advancements. For example, caviar and filet with lobster are classic staples of fine dining, but the menu is by unique recipes like Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms and Pumpkin Creme Brulee. The meal is intended to take place over a number of hours, allowing guests to truly enjoy their food. Additionally, a substantial wine menu would supplement the offerings on the dinner menu.