Mita’s
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Project Narrative
Mita’s is a new, 130-seat restaurant located in downtown Cincinnati’s recently completed 84.51 building. Named after Chef Jose Salazar’s Columbian grandmother, “Mita,” this restaurant features old and new world Spanish and Latin American cuisine. The building’s concrete shell with 25-foot windows is a stark contrast to the transformation and eclectic design of Mita’s, which combines Moorish patterns, reclaimed wood and rich fabrics. Strategically designed screens and custom millwork create a variety of seating areas, supporting the eclectic intent of the space. The Moorish patterned screen by the design team was custom built in Portugal and provides privacy with a gradual increase in openness moving upwards. The structural concrete columns anchor the curvilinear, floating banquettes housed in rich woods, Moroccan blue and saffron-toned fabrics. The 19th Century Moroccan lantern inspired lighting features hand-polished crystals, traditional cast brass and small amber beads. The reclaimed oak wood floor was sourced in the US from early 19th century dismantled barns, warehouses and boxcars. Custom-designed Moorish patterned tile work embellishes the concrete columns along the windows and private dining area. The bar display creates an intriguing juxtaposition between the warm, curvilinear wood and glossy tiles with that of the industrial polished concrete bar tops. The amber-toned velvet curtain track system partitions the private dining from the adjacent open display kitchen.