Wander the big screen
ALEXANDRA HOBBS TELLS US ABOUT BARS & RESTRAURANTS THEMED AFTER THEIR FAMOUS COUNTER PARTS
Many of us watch television and change the channel, but sometimes we find a show that truly resonates. For me it was Twin Peaks, as odd as that show can be. Part of me wishes that I could travel to Twin Peaks and see the Sheriff’s station or stay at the Great Northern Hotel. Although I can’t do that, I can go to the diner where Agent Cooper had a “damn, good cup of coffee” and some cherry pie. Lots of shows have huge followings nowadays; bars and restaurants are popping up all over the world with TV/Movie themes. Here are some of the coolest around.
GAME OF THRONES BAR, WASHINGTON DC
Game of Thrones Pop-Up Bar takes place every single day until August 27 at 1839-1843 7th St. NW. Its website paints an enticing picture: “At the Game of Thrones PUB, guests will visit scenes from the North, the Red Keep, Mereen, the House of Black and White, and the Throne Room. Cocktails such as What is Dead May Never Die and The Lannisters Send their Regards will be paired with the show’s soundtrack. Swords, dragons, horns, and an Iron Throne help celebrate the show’s summer return.” It indeed has just about everything except dire wolves, grayscale outbreaks and political backstabbing. popupbardc.com
BAR LUCE, MILAN
Wes Anderson-designed bar; Grand Budapest Hotel-themed. Within the newly opened Prada Foundation, an art and culture complex, is a bar designed by film director Wes Anderson. Bar Luce opened in May and feels like a set for one of his visually striking films. Complete with a Steve Zissou pinball machine, the bar could easily become a must-visit destination for Anderson fans. On the menu are a selection of pastries, coffee and alcoholic drinks. fondazioneprada.org
WALTER’S COFFEE ROASTERY, ISTANBUL
Deniz Kosan has created an unlikely homage to the methcooking world of Walt and Jesse in a stylish Istanbul coffee shop. The stainless steel grey and bright yellow color scheme, and science lab decor places you into the world of Breaking Bad, with baristas wearing yellow coveralls. Coffee is served in chemical
beakers, with accompaniments in smaller measuring cylinders so you can concoct your coffee like a scientific experiment. walterscoffeeroastery.com
TWEDE’S CAFÉ, NORTH BEND, WASHINGTON
If you’re a fan of the showTwin
Peaks, then it’s mandatory for you to order a slice of cherry pie and “excuse me, a damn fine cup o’ coffee. ”Twede’s Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that became super famous in the 90s after David Lynch decided to make it the setting of his TV show. twedescafe.com
If you happen to be in London between Oct 21 - Nov 21 2017, the events company Lemonade and Laughing Gas is throwing a Twin Peaks themed evening.The £66.50 ticket includes a three-course meal, along with “one of the finest cocktails in the Tri-Counties” and entry to the Owl’s Nest bar. If that seems a bit steep, the £6 Owl’s Nest Ticket gives you a “quick pit-stop at a roadside bar, with potential to turn into a full on mind-bending, backwards-talking experience.” notwhattheyseem.com/theowls
THE LOCKHART, TORONTO
Named after the eccentric Professor Gilderoy Lockhart from the Harry Potter series, the Lockhart is drawing in fans of the wizard from around the globe. On entry you are greeted by a mural of a stag patronus, the defensive charm conjured by Harry, a menu of cocktails entitled “potions and elixirs” and a bar watched over by a Hagrid figurine. thelockhart.ca
GEORGE’S BAR, MELBOURNE
As most people know, you can visit the famous “Monks” on broadway in NYC where Jerry, Elaine and George used to meet for coffee and eats. If you’re looking for something more “George” oriented and happen to be in Australia, check out George’s – a bar solely dedicated to the man himself. If, for example, you’ve always wanted to pretend you’re an architect / marine biologist/importer-exporter/latex salesman, the “Art Vandelay” toastie with double cheese may just be for you. On the beverage side, you can get yourself one of their specialty cocktails like the “Marisa Tomei” (George’s inexplicable-butfleeting secret lover) or the “Hand Model” (his equally short-lived career path). georgesbar.com.au