Chanel, Armani, Bulgari — these fashion heavyweights are known for their haute couture. But haute cuisine?
Off the runways, fashion houses are making their mark in the culinary world with their own designer eateries, from fine-dining restaurants to grab-and-go coffee shops. See our guide to the most stylish spots around the globe.
Ralph Lauren
The Details:This week,Ralph’s Coffee(pictured above) opened on the second floor of the Polo Ralph Lauren flagship store in New York City, with a menu that includes pastries and sandwiches alongside teas, juices and a special offering of Ralph Lauren’s own private coffee blends.
The Scene:Bright, clean and all-American with marble-top bistro tables, white-and-green color scheme and branded ball caps available for purchase
The Location:N.Y.C.
What to Order:Herb roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry chutney, arugula and mayonnaise on artisan cranberry pecan bread
Cavalli
The Locations:Florence, St. Tropex, Dubai, Milan, Beirut, New Delhi, Miami, Ibiza
What to Order:Crab ravioli with artichokes and Genova pine nuts
Versace
The Details:The gilded Palazzo Versace was the first fashion-branded hotel when it opened in 2000. It now houses four restaurants, all with varying degrees of decadence and grandeur — butVanitas, the hotel’s main restaurant, takes the crown.
The Scene:An illuminated blue lagoon, Corinthian columns and floor-to-ceiling windows surround the candlelit restaurant. The modern Australian cuisine, offered as both a tasting menu and a la carte, is served atop brightly-colored, Versace-embellished plates. Think of it as a cross between Versace and Versailles, but with more Aussies and no Marie-Antoinette.
The Location(s):Queensland, Australia
What to Order:The 32-year aged beef with smoked garlic
Armani
The Details:It seems that the designer mogul has his sights set on becoming a food mogul as well. His vast portfolio of restaurants and bars includes N.Y.C.’sArmani Ristorante(pictured above), Emporio Armani Cafes and the new Armani/Caffe, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
The Scene:The posh Armani Ristorante opened above Armani’s Fifth Avenue storefront in 2008, complete with a catwalk and white circular booths with black leather tops. Despite its tourist-centric location, Armani’s authentic Italian menu pulls in both hungry New York natives and curious out-of-towners.
The Locations:N.Y.C., Istanbul, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, Cannes, Paris, Kuwait City, Tokyo, Santiago, Dubai, Milan
What to Order:Ossobuco Alla Milanese, braised veal shank “Milanese style” with saffron risotto
Tommy Bahama
The Details:Hawaiian shirts and palm tree-printed swim trunks aren’t just a fashion statement — they’re a lifestyle at the brand’s in-store, island-inspired restaurants.
The Scene:It’s an easygoing type of luxury:The Mauna Lanilocation in Hawaii (pictured above) features beautiful views from its outdoor deck and tropical-themed entrees (jerk chicken, anyone?), but all we can think about is sipping a frozen drink on that picturesque patio.
Locations:Several locations in California, Florida and Hawaii, as well as in Las Vegas, N.Y.C., Houston and Scottsdale, Ariz.
What to order:A Leap Of Faith cocktail with jalapeño tequila, grapefruit, agave nectar and lime
Chanel
The Details:Mademoiselle Chanel and renowned French chef Alain Ducasse joined fashion and food forces to createBeige, the restaurant located on the top floor of the Chanel Ginza Building in Tokyo.
The Location(s):Tokyo
What to order:Chocolate praline Chanel squares for dessert
Bulgari
The Details:The design house now owns several luxury hotels across the globe and outfits each with an equally-glamorous restaurant, like theirRivea London.
The Scene:Rivea London fits right into its hotel surroundings: Crisp decor, grand dining room and French- and Italian-inspired cuisine. The small plates menu offers modern, minimalist but totally delightful-sounding seafood and vegetable dishes.
The Locations:Milan, London, Bali, Tokyo
What to Order:Warm octopus and potato salad
Coming Soon:Brooks Brothers
What goes better to go with a designer sport coat than a dry-aged, 20-oz. ribeye? Slated to open in 2015, the Brooks Brothers Steakhouse will be just around the corner from its flagship Madison Avenue store in N.Y.C.
—Morgan Gibson
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source: people.com
