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Passero
By : The Design Shop Inc.
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Accommodation, Restaurant & Bar / Restaurant > 1,600 sq.ft. (> 500 sq. m.) : Bronze Certification
Passero emerged in 2017 at The Forks (Winnipeg’s central hub and primary tourism location), and since then, has witnessed such love and steady growth from the city that it needed to expand into a new location. Looking to connect the food to its environment, Passero’s new home resides within Winnipeg’s Little Italy.
When approaching this space, Design Shop’s vision was to take a Postmodern, old-world feel and marry it with a nod to the design aesthetics of the 1970’s, creating a timelessly chic space. The ‘70s interior design aesthetic was characterized by a blend of various styles and trends that reflected the cultural and social shifts of the era: bold earthy colours, patterns and textured walls, a focus on comfort and open floor plans, avant-garde and experimental design concepts, and of course, a touch of disco. These references can be seen in the pearly coloured swag shears; oversized statement mirrors; bold graphic and floral wallpapers; earthy toned palette of cognac and warm browns, and textured surface walls (by local artisan Prairie Plaster) that reflect a hint of shimmer to pay homage to the glitz of the 70’s disco era.
Postmodernism in interior design emerged as rejection of the strict design rules of modernism and is often marked by a more maximalist, playful, and eclectic approach, while embracing historical references and nostalgia. Passero’s design incorporates details like wood-clad columns that repeat throughout the space, framing the bar area, as well as anchoring smaller zones within the long span of seating to create intimacy. Between the columns, Design Shop created custom hickory shelving that are eclectically and intentionally furnished. Wine, serving ware, and various vessels are thoughtfully styled, paired with sentimental objects and books to give it a more lived-in, domestic, collected, and approachable charm.
Owners Amanda Coe and chef Scott Bagshaw shared a vision to bring together the energy of the kitchen with the dining experience of their clientele. Behind Passero is a team of people at the forefront of culinary creativity in Winnipeg who love experimenting with food & wine, and love to emphasize every detail of service behind the scenes and in the front of house. Keeping an open view into the kitchen visually invites diners into chef Mitchell Man’s work, while also allowing the staff to view the patrons enjoying their passion brought to life. This flow connects people with the story of each dish and the people (not so) behind the scenes who are pouring their love into these small plates, with big impact. The very heart of Passero— the kitchen— stands in the centre of the space, embellished with a bold Kelly Wearstler wallpaper to echo the vibrant energy of the magic happening within. This show-stopping graphic paper can be seen from the quaint bar area, and is complete with full height wine storage, oversize brass pendant fixtures, and a uniquely installed heritage tile detail on the bar front that draws diners in as soon as they enter through the door.
A true Winnipeg gem, Passero tastefully bridges Postmodern charm with a dash of the 70’s; harmonizes taste and style; and brings fine Italian dining to the forefront in an effortlessly chic and unpretentious space.
Collaboration
