Understanding the Jazzy Stylings of In Bloom’s Award-Winning Design

In Bloom inside West 7th’s new food hall Keg & Case is the fifth restaurant Nick Rancone and Thomas Boemer have opened together under their company name, the Twist Davis Group. However it was the first that the two could design from the ground up. For Boemer, that meant a 20 foot hearth, with only wood fire fueling every single item cooked inside the ambitious restaurant. For Rancone, it meant it was time to unleash the power of a thousand Pinterest boards. “We’ve always been retro-fitting,” he said. This was an empty shell and a tall, concrete and metal blank canvas. Studio M then helped make the whole thing happen.

Because of the industrial nature of the space, a two-story, open corner int he back of the building, Rancone knew he would have to build warmth into the room. This is where the lavender crushed velvet really comes into play. “When you look at the banquettes, those curved booths, it was a little tongue in cheek ode to a supperclub,” said Rancone. “It was also an homage to Mancini’s, the West 7th institution.” Rancone, a Saint Paul native. “It’s just a little tip of the cap to that 70’s vegas lounge scene. And it has an element of theater to it, an amphitheater style. Imagine seeing this room in a show in the 60’s.”

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

A large mural was done by artist Eric Inkila, Brooklyn-based now, but from Minnesota. “It has a modern element, but for me in invokes music, movement and life and an element of improvisation - jazz. Like Marvin Gaye’s cover album art of I Want You.”

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

An Italian light artist designed the draping floral shaped lights that tumble into the dining room. The lights slowly cast pastel colors over the dining room. The laser cut white screen separating the second tier private dining space and curve around the entrance of the restaurant were designed to look like a 30’s era Moroccan screen. “It’s very European inspired and the ethos of the place - it made sense,” said Rancone. “My kid’s name is Miles - so there’s clearly an element of jazz- could fall apart, but there’s a common corollary that keeps it all together. Organized chaos.”

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

• All In Bloom Coverage [ETC]
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• The Eater Award Winners of 2018 [ETC]