Tom Dixon - Multiplex. At the entrance to the Tom Dixon Multiplex in the Tortona district of town a portrait of Her Majesty The Queen greets visitors, leaving in no doubt that the products inside are proudly British designed and made. The self taught talented British designer who boasts an OBE from the Sovereign and whose online profile states his commitment to innovation and the mission to revive the British furniture industry this year stayed away from the traditional exhibition booths. The multiplex was a pop-up viewing theatre, broadcasting centre, restaurant, shop and gallery in partnership with Blackberry and Playbook, whose aim was to create up to six working environments all in full use.
The Designer. Tom Dixon sits in one of his more whimsical piece of furniture, the Fan Chair.
Parlement Restaurant and Tea Room. A view of the pop-up Parlement Restaurant and Tea Room set up in the Multiplex and run by rising star chef Stevie Parle of the Dock Kitchen in London. Where he re-invented British cuisine with seasonal fresh ingredients from the local Milanese markets.
photograph courtesy Tom Dixon
The Chef. The tall, young, handsome and very talented chef, Stevie Parle ran the pop-up restaurant in Milan called Parlement (Parle as in Stevie!). For Milan Design Week he designed the menus focusing on the amazing leaves and vegetables you can get from the local markets.
Lunch. For lunch the choice of two salads with the freshest ingredients from the local markets. Like this delicious and comforting salad made with luke warm leaves, white asparagus, Freekeh and sweet herbs. For Dinner a four course set menu.
Tea for Two. Traditional English tea and scones with all the works, butter, whipped cream and home-made strawberry jam, was so delicious that the scones just melted in your mouth and gave you the energy to pursue with the Furniture Fair. I loved the contrast between the old, one of a kind, silver heritage teapots, and the modern design of the restaurant.