The design brief was to create a Vietnamese tapas bar for the owner and chef Ben Phan to express his creative culinary energy while still paying respects to his traditionally trained background. The inspiration was drawn from his family’s humbled beginnings back in Vietnam where simple materials were used into practical details. The space needed to reflect new energy, culinary maturity and familiarity all at the same time to create cultural connection. The small restaurant space is carefully planned to seat 45 patrons inside while still giving a glimpse into the hustle of the back kitchen. The combination of general dining, bar seating, or groups in booths offers several ways to enjoy the space in varying material hierarchy. The main bar was designed long and narrow to maximise patron connectivity with staff service which is synonymous to the Phan family ways of great service with a side of cheeky banter, The deep grey flamed tiled granite floor and walls melt into the split face bar top adding consistent imperfections into the palette creating rustic-minimalism. The entry and bar is surrounded by simple blushed persimmon upholstered bench seats and granite tables. Oak strapped walls with inlaid woven grass wallpaper sit above the booth areas with shaped leather upholstered seating that blends into the oak joinery providing contrast to the granite. The booth area heroes locally made tables that use the traditional artisan craft of eggshell mosaic.