After an inspiring visit to New York City, Eugenia Passini and Sebastián Pertiné became more than just in-laws. The Argentine duo were in such awe of the city’s flourishing and diverse fast-food scene that they decided to create a modern and cool concept for their hometown of Buenos Aires. The first Fresco restaurant opened its doors almost five years ago in the city’s Monserrat neighbourhood, serving healthy and tasty fast-food that picky porteños had never seen, let alone tasted. Fast-forward to 2020, and Fresco has just opened its fourth outpost in the sprawling Argentine capital, and this time, it’s in Palermo Hollywood, a swanky part of town with a culinary halo due to its abundance of excellent eateries. The premises measure 400 sqm. (4,306 sq.ft.) spread across two floors, and feature an interior design by Argentine architecture practice Hitzig Militello Arquitectos.
The building’s existing façade has been tweaked and is covered in white metal mesh, an aesthetic which extends throughout the store. The intervention unifies the line of the balcony façade and the front, and demonstrates the intention to incorporate the original architecture in the new design. Guests cross an outdoor patio, furnished with mesh bar stools and benches and matching marble top tables, before entering the actual restaurant. Inside, a backdrop of whitewashed walls, tiled surfaces, and indeed, white mesh unfolds. But it’s far from a monochrome setting as timber and rubber flooring, and last but not least, lush greens add warm notes. The latter not only comes in potted plants, but also by way of cylinders covered in foliage which are suspended in the atrium space at the back.
Here, an elongated service station and open kitchen lines one side of the space and sees two communal tables and staircase directly opposite. Upstairs, the chosen design codes acquire an industrial edge thanks to a visibly exposed pointed roof and steel beams, all obviously dipped in a white hue. Bar seating with wooden stools is alternated by tables and chairs which easily allow different configurations. The front sees a veranda with bar seating and street views, while at the back, a semi-secluded room fully clad in timber can be found, furnished with mesh benches and two communal tables. Similar to the ground floor, lush plants are an integral part of the setting. As said, Fresco is all about healthy food and its elaborate menu fully reflects that, featuring dishes from around the planet, using only fresh and organic ingredients.
Fresco
Calle Honduras 5656 (Palermo Hollywood)
C1414BNF Buenos Aires
Telephone: +54 11 54830612
Daily 10-6
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