Cafe 1771: Justifying Mismatched Decor

Cafe 1771 Whimsy

March 19, 2010 – Cafe 1771, Ortigas Center – Blessed Friday has come, and Cage volunteered to accompany me for the night’s culinary adventure. I’ve seen how intense the dinner crowd can be, but I was not willing to put this off another day.

The waiters were courteous and the evening’s best wishes were quickly followed by a lengthy explanation of the restaurant’s concept. And how could he have not? It was a mash-up of formal and casual decor that was as mismatched as their conceptual attempt at “whimsy.” The restaurant is divided into two sections – step into the “whimsy side” for a more informal dining experience where everything is bright and colors are subdued hues of cream and salmon, or scoot over to the “lounge side” where it is cozier and the walls are lined with books and graphic art words like “Love,” “Friendship” and “Believe.” It was unusually camp and contrived.

Cafe 1771 Lounge

I had no expectations for the “whimsy” side because being called just that was license enough to be garish. The “lounge” was both annoying and hilarious. Furniture is a mismatch of transparent plastic chairs and plush couches. Tables are wobbly and I don’t get the subliminal messaging on the walls.

Cafe 1771 Lounge Shelves

It was a ridiculous recreation of a library with quite the unimaginative collection of books. The novelty of a ’90s Encyclopedia Britannica set wore off in two seconds.

Cafe 1771 Lacquered Salmon

But in the end, I surrendered and let scent of food wafting through the air remind me of my purpose. Order up!