TASHAS THE MARC, A DESIGN JOURNEY
For its swansong on home turf, Tashas has opened a sophisticated restaurant that nods to café society
Since its origins at Athol Square, Johannesburg, in 2005, the Tashas brand has changed the game in daytime eating for South Africans (and now Emiratis too) with inspired, prepared-on-order fare in stylish settings. Driving this change, founder Natasha Sideris has had a role in shaping each one and making it exceptional. Her latest, The Marc, recently opened in Sandton, bringing the global count to 19 with another three to open in the UAE.
In line with each, a theme sets The Marc apart. “Natasha wanted us to capture the ease and the beauty of classic café society, which is uncomplicated, natural and simple, but never loud,” explains South Africa born, Sydney- based interior designer Neydine Bak of BAS Studio who has worked on a handful of the Tashas restaurants.
Enter 1920s Paris, a time of social and artistic expression, glamour and elegance, when the café was a lively Bohemian gathering space. Neydine explains that this manifests in the colour palette, the direction of the artwork and the extensive use of dark timbers.
The Marc is unique in that it’s set to be the last store to open in SA, with Natasha’s sights set on growing internationally. “In view of this, we wanted to go back to basics, to explore the elements she loves and, most importantly, design a space that is timelessly elegant,” Neydine says.
Wooden tables, bentwood chairs and parasols hug the pavement as one of the city’s busiest centres for business forms a backdrop. A generous curved façade invites guests in, much like the trademark stucco-formed curves where floor meets wall and ceiling, a calling card of Tashas restaurants.
A limited selection of honest materials come together to form the palette here. Marble, oak and brass on the floors, walls, furniture and finishings are chosen for their authenticity and heritage. “All the materials are solid, there are no veneers and no coated brass. This ensures that the interior will age gracefully and gain its own patina and character, just like the old cafés one would frequent when visiting European cities,” Neydine muses.
An art wall created by dark timber panelling props up a row of framed works and is hemmed in by a series of oak tables. It’s a glamorous scene that features abstract and monochromatic works by Alexandra Ross. An observant eye will notice the bespoke plates made by Cape Town ceramicist Alexia Klompje of Klomp Ceramics that bring dishes to life with unfussy and organic black graphics and hand-painted lines.
A sensuous installation by paper artist Elonah O’Neil envelopes the awkward column near the centre. A beautiful ruse that distracts and attracts, it’s made from a staggering 400m of paper that moves in the breeze and emanates gentle light.
As with all Tashas restaurants, there’s a classic menu with much-loved familiar items available at every outlet, as well as a signature menu that reflects the unique thumbprint of The Marc’s café-inspired ethos. Here you’ll find quintessential café fare like chicken pot pie and steak sandwiches as well as those with a clever twist such as the chicken Caesar roll, or the sole with lemon and almond butter. What it nails is the mix of chic café sophistication and homely comfort, with a menu that does just the same.