Chef Kiko’s latest restaurant, O Asiatico, was inspired by his first trip to Asia…a journey of cooking, tasting, touring, and absorbing the cuisines of a myriad of cultures. Located in the Principe Real neighborhood, it is located in a renovated eighteenth century building.
Inspired by Asian spice boxes, the entrance is painted a deep Chinese red. Two hundred seventy niches contain glass bottles filled with various spices and Asian products.
The walls of the staircase leading from the entrance to the dining room are papered with enlarged photographs taken by Chef Kiko…recalling the farmers and vendors and trades people he encountered on his Asian trip. Over the staircase hangs a collection of rattan chicken cages, now electrified.
The Asian theme is repeated in the bar, where a 17-foot wall contains a display of Asian decorative objects. Shochu, the bar’s signature cocktail, is a favorite of the clientele. The walls are highlighted by wire sculptures by Tom Hill representing “Papa Arroz”, a bird commonly found in rice paddies throughout Asia.
The dining room located on the main floor is divided into the main area, chef’s table and covered patio. The six-seat chef’s table, which is served by Chef Kiko, offers a privileged view of the kitchen. The addition of a thirty-foot tree creates a casual greenhouse atmosphere.
The open-air patio, open year round, features a custom dimensional tile wall and an outdoor fireplace.
