Robert et Fils

Chef Rob Shaner tapped Siren Betty Design to turn Robert Et Fil’s corner storefront into an intimate dining room, fulfilling Shaner’s vision of a space that was “like an exclusive dinner party, with a strong sense of inclusiveness and home.” Known for their work with Bib Gourmands Giant, Mango Pickle and Quiote, among others, Siren Betty used muted tones, rich textures, found architectural pieces, and thoughtful lighting to soften the angular space and invite guests to make themselves at home.  The restaurant’s primary entrance was moved from the obvious corner on busy Lincoln Avenue to the quieter, tree-lined Hutchinson Street.  Walking through the spindle-detailed oak door (salvaged from a farm in Wisconsin), guests will feel that they are perhaps entering a private Parisian apartment, one that is not too curated or too perfect, rather just as lived-in as it is elegant.  Like the restaurant’s name, the dining room is very much an homage to Shaner’s father.  The muted charcoal wallcoverings depict a nature scene and the seats of the cane-backed chairs are upholstered in black-and-white houndstooth wool, all references to Robert le père, who was an avid game hunter and outdoorsman.  An antique bureau belonging to the Shaner family and custom-made apothecary drawers further personalize the space while also providing much-needed storage.  Along the northern wall, a long bench upholstered in sumptuous mocha mohair velvet and trimmed with wood provides comfortable seating as well as a view of the bar, which houses both the restaurant’s beverage program and kitchen space.  The oversized mirror behind the bar was sourced from an antique market in rural Illinois.  The modern Parisian aesthetic is carried into the restaurant’s powder room, which features walls lined with custom millwork and painted in a graphite lacquer, flooring set in a wood-look herringbone tile, a gilded oval mirror and antique crystal sconce.