After 13 years of impeccable service, having designed the original interiors in 2005, New York-based Tihany Design returned to the property to collaborate with chef Richard on the redesign of the hotel’s seventh floor – including the reimagination of Amber and the introduction of Somm, an all-new wine and sake bar.
Aside from the new menu and thoughtful approach to fine dining, Amber has attracted attention for the striking new interiors created by Tihany Design. Refined, light, and contemporary, the design reflects the dramatic evolution of chef Richard’s master culinary vision.
“It embraces the evolution of fine dining to portray a more approachable, personal experience. In gathering the inspiration for the design, I had to look no further than chef Ekkebus himself,” explains Adam D Tihany, founder of the firm. “I’ve always considered restaurants as being portraits of the chef. It’s my interpretation, of course, but the interiors have to fit their creativity, talent, and brand of hospitality.”
“Refined, light, and contemporary, the design reflects the dramatic evolution of chef Richard Ekkebus’ master culinary vision”
“The new Amber is light, curvaceous, and less formal compared to its original design, which conveyed masculine elegance,” adds Alessia Genova, managing partner of Tihany Design, whose vision led this project.
Alessia was appointed as Tihany Design’s first-ever managing partner in early 2020. She began her career at Tihany Design after graduating from Politecnico di Milano, as an intern, quickly rising to senior designer and later to studio director. Now, Alessia oversees the overall operations for the studio and is responsible for ensuring that each project is carefully attended to, from initial concept to completion. She serves as a mentor to the firm’s next generation of designers, guiding them through the important aspects of design – innovation, attention to detail, and a passion for the process.
Amber champions a progressive, flavour-forward dining experience with French roots, and thoughtful, locally sourced ingredients. Complementing this approach, the restaurant’s design unfolds in curving, organic forms, and a light, sophisticated material palette with warm, neutral colours, featuring a softer and more inviting setting.
Adjacent to the wine and sake bar, Amber boasts a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, where guests are treated to panoramic views of the city below.
“Curving wood wall panels emanate from the vibrant red ceiling cove, extending gracefully across the ceiling, bringing the space to life”
While the design is refreshing and modern, it also acknowledges the past and echoes iconic elements of the original Amber. The golden rods are now referenced by large bronze ring chandeliers, to recreate the bespoke, private atmosphere while showcasing the restaurant’s architectural volume.
As guests arrive at the restaurant level, they are greeted by the limestone elevator landing, where the corridor walls are wrapped in a striking liquid-metal, accordion-like detail. Just beyond the landing, the contemporary entrance unfolds into the dark wood and rich-red palette of Somm. A delicate wood screen inspired by natural tree branches encircles the space, creating the sense of entering an enchanting clearing.
At the heart of the venue, abutting an impressive display of wine and sake, is the nine-seat wood bar, featuring a textured liquid-metal bar counter. Above, curving wood wall panels emanate from the vibrant red ceiling cove, extending gracefully across the ceiling, bringing the space to life.
Amber’s new redesign also features custom-made sculptures crafted by local artist, Gail Deayton. Designed to enhance the dining experience, the sculptures are inspired by the urban landscape surrounding The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and the communal traditions of Chinese dining culture.
“The most successful restaurant interiors possess a simple ingredient – a good story,” explains Alessia. “Amber tells a story that will live on in the memories of its next generation of guests.”
www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/the-landmark/luxury-hotel
