Catalan designer Pere Gifre has perfected the science of “set design” within the lucky restaurants he creates beautiful tablewares for. The way the tablewares seamlessly and organically blend into the prepared dishes is stunning. Initially, Gifre worked with set designers at the Madrid Royal Theater; this evolved into designing fun dishes for one of his parents’ restaurants. Ironically, this was near the renowned “El Bulli” which ten years ago started the molecular gastronomy movement. Creating the tablewares for this restaurant was a dream which took a lot of persistence. Eventually, Gifre succeeded and the instant gratification of seeing the diners’ reactions to the dishes was worth it. Five years later, Gifre decided to move to San Francisco and allow us in the US the pleasure of eating off true masterpieces. Who says interior design and food don’t go hand-in-hand?
Anemone: this elaborate tableware is the most expensive in Gifre’s collection, priced at $1,200. If you happen to be lucky enough to secure a reservation at the amazing El Celler de Can Roca in Catalonia, you must order the “underwater sequence” which includes Anemone among the “serving dishes”.
Photo courtesy of: The San Francisco Gate, photographer is Francesc Guillamet
Forest plates designed for El Celler de Can Roca were a collaboration with the sculptor, Jordi Diez. The ceramic plates resemble tree bark and fit perfectly into the menu based on local Mediterranean food.
Photo courtesy of: The San Francisco Gate, photographer is Francesc Guillamet
In the flesh- Pere Gifre holding one of his Anemone dishes.
Photo courtesy of: The San Francisco Gate, photographer is Paul Chinn
