Duvet
This sexy, bi-level “dining boudoir” features beds (and tables) that scream comfort and relaxation, but with an added luxury: upscale dining by top toque David Coleman, formerly of Union Pacific.
Duvet is the brainchild of owner Sabina Belkin, a passionate young restaurateur and nightlife impresario. Designed by Andres Escobar (Cartier Boutique and Guess? store in Toronto) and Edward Belkin, Duvet features 30 customized “dining beds,” soft satin banquettes, frosted glass bars and seven intimate “bedrooms” that are available for the sexiest, most-talked about private parties.
The main dining room houses 30 custom beds—each of which is larger than a standard king size—overflow with soft, Italian-imported goose-down pillows in beige and gold that sit atop the crisp white 400-count sheets. Each bed is custom designed with French fabric and with a special foam mattress that molds to each person’s body as they recline into surprising dining comfort. Silky curtains frame the beds and discreetly placed drawers are available to stash shoes and purses. Customized slippers are also offered to guests. A large, frosted-glass “donut” tray resides in the center of the bed to support cocktails and water glasses with space for bottles of wine and champagne in the center.
Rectangular trays can be used as placemats for extra dining comfort. For those who wish to watch the action from afar and dine in traditional fashion, the dining room offers banquette seating for up to 50 people. In true “home” style, Duvet boasts an 84-inch flat-screen plasma television and semi-circular stage that is available for after-hours entertainment. The separate bar area boasts more beds and several conical-shaped stand-up tables, but the piece de resistance is the 90-foot glass bar that looks like melting ice. Smartly clad singles gravitate here to sip on specialty cocktails then chat each other up about, for one, the 80,000-gallon aquarium that holds 100 moon jellyfish.
Upon entering Duvet, patrons will at once find themselves amazed at the sheer size (over 20,000 square feet) and elegance of the space. On the first floor, Venetian paint embossed with silver leaf adorn the walls, creating an upscale, glamorous vibe. A 10-seat “Amuse Bar” stands to one side and will serve a savory selection of amuse-bouche offerings. The adjacent 90-foot frosted-glass “Ice Bar,” so named for its resemblance to melting ice, is Duvet’s full-service, 35-seat, bar featuring unique signature cocktails, such as “Purple Haze” with Violet-infused Grey Goose Vodka; “White Satin Mojito” with Mint, Vanilla Bean, Yuzu Juice, Mount Gay Rum, and Moet Chandon Champagne; and “Duvet Passion” with Fresh Passion Fruit Puree, Fresh Lime Juice, Bacardi 8-year and Courvoisier XO, as well as the full amuse-bouche menu, a perfect space to people watch and sip the cities hottest cocktails. Behind the Ice Bar is a striking 8x15-foot aquarium that houses over 100 exotic jellyfish. A detailed lighting system plays a large role in creating the vibrant setting of Duvet, using various colors and lighting techniques that complement the design and mood of the space.