Murano restaurant on Melrose in LA; Murano chandelier (above & below)
CAN A CHANDELIER AND SCONCE THEMED EATERY WORK?
Yesterday, I got an email from AD…it was addressed to me, RB and AZ…the email said she had read something on Daily Candy about $12 Tuesday dinners at a restaurant named Murano on Melrose here in L.A. My first thought was “how could any meal priced at $12 be good”; my second thought was “nope, I’m not going”. I wasn’t really paying attention to the back and forth of emails and despite the fact that I had instinctively thought no, I am not going… for some strange reason my fingers impulsively typed “I am in”… little did I know what I was “in” for.
I actually thought the whole Murano colored glass chandelier thing was kind of bad kitsch for the longest time…too colorful…not useful. (Actually, I later learned that Murano is a small island off the coast of Venice, Italy known for fine glass making and they have been doing that there for years and years-since the 17th century it is said…not so kitschy I guess).
So back to yesterday…I meet AD, RB and AZ at the restaurant after going through my usual protests that I have things to do at home. I walk in (late) and immediately announce to the group in a lock-jawed tone “I don’t really care for this place, don’t love the decor and I can’t stay”. They all had a glass of wine in front of them and in unison said “we love it, we think it is really pretty and the wine is delish (translation: delicious)”.
Let me cut to the chase. After a lovely glass of champagne and a little food, I loosened up a bit and looked around. The restaurant was actually quite nice – delightful in fact!
The chandelier themed restaurant really worked in my view. Murano, the restaurant sparkled like the chandeliers…leaving me glowing and shining about an evening well spent in a nice environment, with good food and good company. When I looked at the chandeliers, I began to see something more interesting in the colored glass. I began to see some style and some fun potential for these.
(P.S. When AD, RB and AZ read this they will all rightfully take credit for the evening and make great fun of me for protesting so much…a big “I told you so”!)
Murano chandeliers are sold all over the internet and in stores (DWR has a Murano Chandelier for $3200) …and there is a Murano store here in Los Angeles on Beverly Blvd.
CONCLUSION – A RESTAURANT CAN SUCCESSFULLY BE NAMED/THEMED AFTER A PIECE OF FURNITURE, HOME ACCESSORY OR LIGHTING…DON’T KNOCK IT UNTIL YOU TRY IT!
