Nicole
An Auberge Style Restaurant
Nicole is a speculative family run auberge-style restaurant. Based in Mount Airy, the restaurant serves the family’s favorite southern French dishes made by my mamie (grandma) Nicole. I wanted to bring my hometown in France to my hometown in the United States. The restaurant allows others to join my family and share memories through food.
Meet Nicole
My mamie has been a very important part of my life since I was little. We visit her every summer in Valence, in the south of France. Often my sister and I would have sleepovers at her place, learning how to make crafts and making compote together. Every Sunday we eat lunch as a family, and she always makes the most delicious meals, one of my favorites being her salade de riz (rice salad). I wanted to create this restaurant to share the joys of being a part of my family and the love that comes with sharing a meal.
Our Restaurant
Our exterior and interior design are inspired by the home that I often visited Nicole in. The home was built by my papie, where my grandma raised Fabienne (my mom) and my aunt Isabelle and has cooked many meals for them, their spouses, and their children. Though Nicole eventually moved to a smaller apartment after the passing of her husband, my family still meets every Sunday for a big meal.
We offer indoor and outdoor seating. The tables inside vary in size allowing for two people seating, four people seating, and 8–10 people seating. The largest size is reminiscent of the big meals we would share as a family, and customers are encouraged to either bring their whole families or sit with others and mingle.
Our Menu
Our menu consists of meals most memorable to the family, members of the family were asked their favorites to put on a special menu.
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Style Tile
Collateral
On the left is a sachet available for purchase that contains dried herbs. My mother and I make some every summer and take herbs from our garden. On the right is a lavender pouch that my grandmother makes, which would be displayed throughout the restaurant as well as being available for purchase.
If someone eats a meal that they really enjoyed, they can find recipes for all the meals on the menu at the front of the restaurant to take home and try for themselves.
Packaging
Our packaging features our patterns and friendly slogans to thank the customers. It uses recyclable materials to diminish waste.
Nicole has a homey feel, as if you are truly being hosted by my family. The energy is exciting and loving, as well as welcoming. The delicious smell of cooking invites you in the moment you open the door. Come join our family and dine at Nicole!
Credits
Instructor: Nathan Young, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
