The Kirchberg district has welcomed a newcomer to the gastronomic scene. The restaurant at the Novotel Luxembourg Kirchberg hotel has been completely redesigned to offer a gustatory and visual voyage to a sunny and warm place. We pushed open the doors of JUNCO.
A hotel restaurant with its own identity
Absolutely everything has changed in the restaurant. “We wanted to give the restaurant its own identity, with a separate entrance from the hotel” explains Bram Maes, manager of the Novotel hotel. “The idea is to make this place a real gastronomic address in Luxembourg, that is attractive for everyone, and not only to our hotel’s clientele.”
With change comes a new name: Junco refers to the rush and natural materials found throughout the restaurant.
Anama, which owns the Novotel hotel (and 5 other ACCOR hotels in Luxembourg), called on Paris-based interior architect Stéphanie Cayet to rethink the 230 m2 of space (inside and out). The project began around 1 year ago.
“The workspace was very big, and we worked on redistributing everything to create different atmospheres with sub-spaces, benches, tables for two, cosy corners for large tables and also alcoves for working”, explains the interior designer.
Junco’s clientele promises to be varied, ranging from local workers and locals to hotel guests.
Immersive décor into the South
“We wanted above all to bring the South and the Mediterranean back to Luxembourg” explains Stéphanie Cayet.
Mission accomplished, thanks to a choice of natural materials and bright colours that create a Mediterranean feel that is both authentic and warm. The pearl curtains along the windows and the terracotta claustra (an openwork wall) transport us to the South in the blink of an eye. The rattan armchairs and straw wallpaper also immediately set the tone. The blue of the sea can be seen on the blue velvet sofas.
The accessories scattered throughout the space, giving it a warm, homely feel. To name but a few: terracotta goblets, parasol-shaped light fittings, and numerous blue ceramic swallows (a Portuguese tradition) on the walls. “In Portugal, swallows are considered to bring luck and joy” explains Stéphanie Cayet. Customers are accompanied throughout their culinary journey by the silent flight of these birds.
The space also includes a bar, which will soon be topped by a gilded brass shelf with hanging lights and touches of straw.
On the other side of the bar, a second room features a huge wood and terracotta table at its centre. This is where the hotel’s breakfasts are held, but it is also the ideal place to host a large table for private evenings, with its ultra-welcoming ‘southern house’ feel.
The space also includes a winter patio garden and two beautiful outdoor terraces. “From spring onwards, the terrace will be bursting with colour, with benches, cushions and parasols” enthuses Stéphanie.
European brasserie and Portuguese twists
On the brasserie side, chef Alexis Julien (formerly of Cercle Munster) oversees the kitchens. “I worked alongside Paris Society to develop a menu with recipes that at first glance seem ‘classic’, but which are all revisited, with a Portuguese twist” explains the chef.
For starters, the sea bream ceviche with exotic fruits and kiwi, or the split pea houmous invite you to travel, as does the beetroot carpaccio on a bed of labné (a kind of thick yoghurt) enhanced with lime.
For the main course, try the grilled octopus served with feijoada-style beans and fennel, or the melt-in-your-mouth beef chuck.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll love the chef’s revisited childhood dessert: rice pudding, both light and creamy, spiced up with grains of puffed rice, salted butter caramel and touches of lime, for a fabulous feel on the palate.
When it comes to drinks, the restaurant offers a fine selection of bottles, particularly from the Portuguese regions (Alentejo, Douro, Vinho Verde…). For the start (and end) of the evening, creative cocktails can be sipped, such as the Porto Spritz with bay leaf, grapefruit soda and vinho verde.
At Junco, time lasts a long time.
JUNCO, 6 rue du Ford Niedergruenewald L-2226 Luxembourg.
