Mamma Mia
Author:Abigail StoneFettle Design brings their witty and whimsical eye to Chez Mia, transforming a slender building and its parking lot into an inviting and romantic dining destination
Despite L.A.’s balmy weather and the decision to indefinitely extend its al fresco program, it can be challenging to find compelling space to eat outside, a fact that baffles UK-born Tom Parker, one half of Fettle, the interior and architecture firm. “Considering the prevalence of indoor-outdoor living in Los Angeles, it feels like there is a lack of exceptional and expansive outdoor dining spaces,” he shares. In partnership with Marissa Hermer’s and Matt Hermer’s Boujis Group (with whom they collaborated on Olivetta and The Draycott) and entrepreneur Kurt Seidensticker, their latest project, Chez Mia, aims to right that imbalance.
Located near the intersection of Melrose Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard, Parker and the team reimagined both the building and the parking lot of the corner that formerly housed legendary hotspot Ago, as a magical and romantic destination, relying on of their well-known love for mixing rich jewel tones, exuberant patterns and traditional design to concoct a lush, welcoming space that conjures up the romantic restaurants found throughout the South of France and Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
At the center of the 8,900-square-foot space is a long 30-seat bar flanked by two nine-foot tall multi-tier Italianate fountains, the perfect spot at which to enjoy Chez Mia’s signature cocktails. It’s surrounded by exterior design terraces, delineated by boldly patterned banquettes paired with substantial garden chairs whose whimsical metal swirls are softened with plump cushions. Expansive, elaborately pleated square umbrellas and an abundance of potted plants confirms the initial impression of dining in a fanciful and secret garden, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
An intricate basketweave-patterned tile floor, whose squares range from green to teal to beige to black, links the restaurant’s coquettish garden with a jewel box interior dominated by gold mohair banquettes. Bar chairs upholstered in a Bargello-pattern and sparkling brass shelving overlook an open kitchen which sends out a menu inspired by the Mediterranean, from freshly-caught seafood and local produce to pastas and roast chicken. Intriguing cocktails, seafood towers, caviar service and a voluptuous dessert menu (splurge on a caviar-topped gougere and save room for Chez Mia’s signature Madeleines) ensure that whatever the occasion, be it casual after work drinks, date night or milestone birthday, Chez Mia is the place to be.