CRAFTKITCHEN UPDATE: PRIVATE DINING ROOM

We are SO thrilled to share the progress of our Private Dining Room with you all today. Last time we wrote about it, things were looking rather…construction-y. We’re so thrilled, then, to let you know our PDR is in a much more aesthetically appealing (and close to opening) state. We’ve got all of our favorite inspirational (and food-inspired) quotes on the walls – our wall o’ wisdom showcases super smart thoughts from everyone from Julia Child to Michael Jordan; our b-e-a-utiful dining table is in; and lighting (can you say ambiance?) is finally installed as well.

Basically, all we’re missing is the people. But that’s soon to change as we’re so excited to announce we have an opening date of October 28 set. We can’t wait to host celebrations – both large and small – in our private dining room. Whether you want a private space for a business meeting or a warm and welcoming table to gather loved ones around for a holiday celebration, we’d love to have you (and all of your wild friends and family) in our PDR.

You can book online right through our website or call us at (702) 728-5828 to discuss your needs. We truly can not wait to celebrate with you. People like you are why we’ve created CRAFTkitchen, so it really is an honor to think that we’ll be hosting community members’ parties, meetings and get-togethers in our favorite new space. And, speaking of get-togethers, we’ll wrap this one up with one of our favorite Julia Child quotes from our PDR wall: “A party without cake is just a meeting.” Can I get an AMEN to that?  

 

OUR PRIVATE DINING AREA

For my family and me, gathering around a hearty meal or delicious dessert has always been such an important part of our lives, so when I chose to open CRAFTkitchen, I knew I wanted it to be a place where people could do one main thing: gather. Today, then, I wanted to introduce you to one of my favorite gathering areas the space has to offer: our private dining room.

When my wife, Tami, and I were designing this space we both knew we wanted it to offer lots of privacy while still remaining very much a part of the main dining area. We’ve been to some private dining rooms that offer privacy, but that do so by tucking you away in the back of the restaurant where you feel isolated. On the other hand, we’ve been to some that feel like they’re part of the restaurant and offer a great ambiance, but don’t exactly offer the privacy you’re looking for. We think–and hope–we’ve struck a great balance with our PDR design.

We decided to have the private dining area sit parallel to the main dining area with one large glass window that looks out over the dining area–that way, guests don’t feel too isolated or like they’re not experiencing the same ambiance other diners are. But, the room is still closed off (with sometrès chic sliding French glass doors) from the rest of the space, allowing for your private event or dinner to actually feel, well, private

The space will don a large handcrafted (by a local artist we absolutely love) 12’x4’ wood table, playful quotes on the walls and is technologically equipped with all the gear you’d need to host a business meeting or creative collaboration (or simply play a slideshow or video for a family event, like an engagement party or birthday celebration). When it’s not in use, we’ll setup some really fun and creative Mother’s Day and Easter brunch buffets on a credenza in there.  

We’re also big on treating CRAFTkitchen like one (really delicious) playground, so our goal is to always cater to our guests’ needs. So, if you’re wanting your meal family-style in the private dining area, we can do that. Likewise, we can serve hors d’oeuvres, offer wine-and-beer pairings with small plates or serve everyone a la carte. We also love the idea of hosting a kids’ cake decorating class or ladies wine night in the private space. Basically, if you can dream it, we can execute it. If you’re looking to book the space for anything from a collaborative meeting to a birthday party, reach out and we can craft something just for you.

 

 

CRAFTKITCHEN: THE CONSTRUCTION

If you’ve had a chance to read a little bit about CRAFTkitchen, then you probably know what we’re all about. While the restaurants that built me will always have a special place in my heart, I knew–for a very long time–I wanted to do something different. I wanted a kitchen of my own where I was free to experiment, fail, play. Today, I’m watching that dream, literally, be built, and I could not be more excited about it. Community is such an important part of why we do what we do, and my goal is to keep you in the loop on everything. So today, I wanted to walk you through the construction of CRAFTkitchen and what you can expect when we open our doors.

The current state of the union looks something like this: back-of-the-house walls are up, all front-of-the-house walls are textured and painted, custom wood tables for the dining area are currently being handmade, our ceiling grid is going up, and–the most exciting part in my opinion–equipment is starting to show up.

In short, we are coming right along (a fact I have to remind my very impatient self of everyday). I can actually walk in the space now (made up of what used to be a small restaurant and an insurance company) and visualize friends, family and community members sitting down and dining. I can picture our private dining room full for a party and our grab-and-go counter bustling with people looking for a good latte and warm croissant, or an iced tea and lump-crab salad. I can see my amazing team working the kitchen (the space I’m most excited about, for obvious reasons).

When all is said and done, you should walk into a space that feels industrial and rustic, yet welcoming and warm. You’ll be surrounded by greenery and local artwork (some of it from my talented daughter). You’ll be in a space that eats, breathes and thinks local: produce will come from local growers; coffee will be roasted by a company out of Boulder City; you’ll have your pick of some amazing local craft beers. And, if I’ve done my job right, you’ll feel comfortable and excited for what is to come–whether that’s a long night of vino with friends or a quick family dinner with loved ones.