Hi Chef! What could be more fitting than to begin a meal with the ‘breaking of bread’ by the Pope of American Cuisine? For the cart - we took stylistic inspiration from the Benemerenti Medal used in the IALW Logo & China patterns.

During our own dining experience at IALW - the little sprinkle of Salt over the butter during the bread service was a wonderful “I could do that at home!” takeaway. Months later, I think of IALW (and our spectacular meal) every time I butter bread.

While researching this project - we noticed that the bread service is currently the least photographed & shared part of an IALW meal. Knowing that y’all intend to create a memorable experience with every course - we relish the opportunity to add to the overture!

Baguette display / storage

Based around the design of a traditional French baguette box - cart will have a top opening for baguette display / storage. 18” loaf pictured. Cutout detail in the front and ‘confessional’ metalwork sides allow for viewing of box contents at guest-seating height. Slide out crumb drawer houses a hotel pan for easy cleanout. Base will have a slatted insert to elevate baguettes out of the pan & away from crumbs.

BUTTER TRAYS

Per request - three tiered butter rack. 4”x4” wood block displayed for butter height/size reference. Rails allow for easy slide-out of half-sheet pans. Upper wood rack rail detail supports removable wood shelves or hotel pan.

UTENSIL DRAWER

Drawer will have brass hardware, soft-close drawer guides and is deep enough to accommodate a 15” bread knife, as well as additional service-ware, crumb brush, gloves etc.

CART TOP

Solid Walnut. Cart top will house a (slightly elevated) cutting board. Solid space for bread plates or an additional bread basket. Hotel Pan at the right is removable for baguette storage. Opening will also have a flush solid cover.

CUTTING BOARD

Slatted cutting board. Slightly elevated to protect cart top. Removable for cleaning. Half sheet hotel pan beneath to collect crumbs (and keep them out of the drawer below). Cutting board slats can be routed-edge if you prefer (bottom half of board mock up) for a more polished look, or left plain (top half). 13” Knife and 12” baguette shown for size reference.

CART FRONT

Front has (easily removable) skirting to blend with existing IALW textiles. Additional storage (bread basket?) shelves. Middle shelf is removable to allow for taller item storage on cart bottom.

BENEMERENTI MEDAL

Repeated and referenced in IALW decor and branding we noticed this little Gold Cross. Deliberate or not, a Papal medal is certainly fitting given Chef’s moniker!

FABRIC & FINISHES

Once the design is settled - we will submit for final fabric & finish selections. Currently proposed is a dark walnut wood finish. Brass handles. Fabric to be selected to coordinate with the China pattern (options shown are just ideas - my current favorite is top left)