Saks Fifth Avenue is rolling out the newest David Rockwell-designed eatery, an espresso and juice bar called the Café Citron. Known for such high-profile restaurant designs as Planet Hollywood and New York City's Nobu, Rockwell created an elliptical-shaped island bordered by a whimsical flooring mosaic of coffee cups and fruit.
Handcrafted details such as silver metal leaf on counter faces and backlit menu "windows" framed by floating fruit slices cast in resin contrast with the clean lines of the 1000-sq.-ft. space. An ebony bar rail wraps the tiled island and glass-beaded lamp shades contrast with pastry-white countertops and stainless steel fixtures. In some locations, marble mosaic tables seat about 20.
Photos: Elizabeth Felicella Design: Rockwell Group, New York City--David Rockwell, principal; Sam Trimble, associate in charge; Linda Caspar, Lorraine Knapp and James Monday, design team
Consultants: Focus Lighting, New York City
Flooring and Tabletops: Innovative Marble & Tile, Hauppauge, N.Y. Silver Metal Leaf (on bar): Surfacing Arts, Florida, N.Y.
Chairs: Chair Masters, Bronx, N.Y.
Lampshades (custom): Carla Weisberg, New York City
Millwork: Design Line, Seattle Resin
Panels: Atta, New York City
Framing: Museum Editions, New York City