Ticking all these boxes are Jin Jing Ge and Yun He restaurants at the Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou, China. These two establishments, designed by the international architecture and design studio AB Concept, serve as retreats nesting on a private island overlooking the picturesque Jinji Lake, just minutes away from the vibrant city of Suzhou.
Drawing inspiration from the hotel's expansive gardens and serene lakeside views, AB Concept has crafted two enchanting dining spaces that offer not only exquisite culinary experiences but also a sense of immersion in their surroundings.
Jin Jing Ge showcases innovative interpretations of regional Jiangzhe delicacies from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, while Yun He, an all-day dining venue, presents a diverse pan-Chinese menu with a particular emphasis on Guangdong cuisine. These restaurants not only provide a feast for the palate but also offer a feast for the senses, blending culinary excellence with captivating design to create a truly memorable gastronomic ambiance.
We examine each establishments in detail:
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Jin Jing Ge
AB Concept anchored the design concept of the Jin Jing Ge restaurant around the essence of a traditional Chinese garden. Striving to capture the symbolic resonance and serenity emblematic of these gardens, the organic design elements are incorporated into the hospitality environment, blending natural motifs with a diverse array of materials to cultivate an immersive dining ambiance.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a courtyard reception and lounge area. Here, a backdrop of custom-embroidered fabric sets the stage for the maitre'd welcome station, complemented by two exquisite bespoke chandeliers that add an enduring sense of grace. The intricately patterned stone flooring paves the way for visitors as they transition into the a la carte dining room.
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Within the dining space, an interplay of visual elements awaits. Striking blue glass panel screens, in harmony with a specially crafted chandelier, guide patrons to their designated tables, while huge windows let in natural light, bathing the room with a warm and inviting glow.
A veranda provides a picturesque view of a meticulously landscaped Chinese garden, blending the outdoor with the indoor space through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an interconnected and harmonious environment.
For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, seven distinctive private dining rooms are available. Each room boasts an elegantly appointed lounge area adorned with subtly coloured carpets, accentuated by patterned upholstery and veneer wood finishes. The rooms feature large windows adorned with custom motifs inspired by traditional Suzhou window frames, offering guests a unique opportunity to engage with the surrounding landscape while ensconced in their own private haven.
Yun He
Drawing inspiration from the concept of 'A Village in Nature', AB Concept's design for the Yun He restaurant weaves natural elements into the fabric of the space, grounding it within its surroundings. The design pays homage to Suzhou craftsmanship through four pillars, clay, wood, stone, and glass.
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Functioning as a harmonious indoor-outdoor entity, Yun He embodies a fluid dining experience where the cosy interior transitions into an outdoor terrace. With a capacity for more than 200 guests, the restaurant provides a versatile dining arena comprising an open-plan main dining area complemented by an open kitchen and buffet section.
Throughout the space, organic design elements reign supreme, with lava stone flooring, wooden panelling, glass brick accents, and ceramic surfaces that adds an air of sophistication. Within the central dining zone, plush booths adorned in shades of green meld effortlessly with light wood touches.
The broader dining expanse features communal seating arrangements and spacious rounded alcoves designed to foster engaging conversations. Dining sofas and chairs matched with hints of pale green and mustard yellow, coupled with refined rattan details, enhance the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the space.
Private dining rooms showcase a diverse array of textures, from luxurious wood finishes to decorative ceramics and pebbles. A hand-printed and embroidered wall covering pays tribute to Suzhou's heritage, serving as an artistic backdrop to the bespoke furnishings that dances with elements of the past and present.
Outside, a Chinese courtyard garden unfolds, offering a serene panoramic backdrop. Stone flooring extends alongside glass railings that demarcate the property, while custom dining tables provide a distinctive culinary experience elevated by the natural splendour of the surroundings.
