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If you happen to be in Portland, Oregon in the States and would like to experience a fabulous mix of good food and rad design, head to the recently opened The Original restaurant designed by David Ashen of D-ASH design , Denise Korn of Korn Design and Peter Karpinski of Sage Restaurant Group.

Portland, known for its charming bohemian neighbourhoods and bike culture, was recently voted as one of the most creative cities for urban yuppies with its myriad cafes and cultural activities. The Original reinforces the reputation further. With just the right dose of sophistication, machismo and elegance, the restaurant is a nod to Mid-Century design and presents the classic American diner with a contemporary twist.

The Original playfully mixes the best of the mid-century diner cuisine with a modern interpretation of the “googie” architecture that thrived in post WW II car culture. The concept for the modern American diner was inspired by the “rat pack” antics of entertainers like Frank Sinatra and others in mid-century Las Vegas and Southern California. The restaurant surprises on all levels with a playful diner menu and a design featuring a two-story atrium, gray felt walls, an open staircase and cactus garden.

The design team blended the best of mid-century “space age” diners with Portland’s vibrant art and music community. The Original’s design is elevated beyond a typical diner with the use of elements such as a floating “orb” fireplace, polished chrome, smoky mirrors, black vinyl and a two-story tufted wall behind the bar. A DJ booth is artfully hidden in the wall for the late-night crowd. The exterior made of aluminum and glass with a large attention-getting sign is both eye catching and a tribute to an earlier car culture when architects opted for the “space age” look to attract customers.

A nod to Portland’s artistic and music community is noted in the tall white pillars decorated with local playbills and music fliers. An art wall in the back of the restaurant displays a rotating collection of Polaroid photos, artwork and other memorabilia contributed by guests. “Portland has such a strong artistic community so the restaurant design appeals to the diner who wants to be part of an ongoing conversation about art, music and food,” says Meaghan Goedde, general manager of the restaurant. “People can gather at The Original for a meal, cocktails around the fireplace or at the bar, or hang out at the counter seating along the window. There is a place for everyone.”

The Original is located in a building designed by SERA Architects and which has applied for Gold LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. The restaurant will implement a variety of eco-friendly practices including recycling and composting. Additionally, the kitchen grease will be recycled into biodiesel fuel. Employees are encouraged to use alternative transportation to work and bicycle storage and changing rooms are available.

The menu by Chef BJ Smith is as creative as the interiors. The “do-it-yourself” trend is also popular on the menu with Make Your Own Salads, Burgers with an assortment of “fixins” to choose from and a Sundae Bar with toppings like pop rocks and hazelnut brittle. Many of the menu items reflect local producers such as Grand Central Bakery, Kettleman’s Bagels, Stumptown Coffee, Cascade Natural Beef, Voodoo Doughnuts, Ota Tofu, Ayer’s Creek corn meal, and local spirits, wine and beer.

The Original is located at 300 SW 6th Street, Portland, OR 97204; tel 503-546-2666.