Bova Ristorante

When owner Tony Bova consulted designer Michael Brosché about designing the interior of his new Boca Raton restaurant, he requested that the space convey two words: “wow power.”
“We’ve accomplished our goal if our guests say ‘wow’ when they walk in the door,” Bova says. “I wanted to create a ‘nuevo classical’ ambiance that would embody Boca Raton’s ultra-sophisticated, metropolitan-modern style, and would offer unique private dining areas.” Bova named the restaurant Bova Ristorante “to put extra pressure on myself to succeed,” he says.
Brosché, who has designed the interiors of seven other restaurants for Bova, knew exactly what to do to achieve his vision. First, Brosché worked with architectural firm Studio K to adapt the exterior’s existing Mediterranean style to embrace a more modern look. He then turned to the interior, where he custom-designed bars, tables, cabinetry, wine racks, ceilings — practically everything except the chairs — to suit the new style.
One of the main changes Brosché made was repositioning the bar to run the length of one side of the space, instead of having it occupy the front section. “I wanted to create a ‘lounge-y’ area that was not the focal point,” Brosché says. Parallel to the bar, he incorporated limestone walls with rectangular cutouts to form intimate dining areas. “To develop private and semi-private dining areas throughout the restaurant, we designed limestone partitions with cutouts, glass walls and sheer drapes,” Brosché says. “That way, the areas still feel open, but guests never feel exposed.”
A monochromatic scheme and clean-lined furnishings perpetuate the interior’s open, modern feel. A daring white palette contrasts dramatically with cool limestone walls and the warm wood tones of Brazilian cherry-wood flooring and mahogany cabinetry. “The effect is high-contrast, while establishing low-key elegance,” Brosché says. Champagne-colored booths add a touch of iridescent shimmer.
For the lighting, Brosché worked with lighting designer Paul Hixson of Utah-based Helius Lighting to create a romantic ambiance. “I love drama in lighting,” Brosché says, “and the use of uplighting and spot lighting creates just the right calming mood.” Brosché also designed simple white “hatbox” fixtures with iridescent shades to softly illuminate many of the tables.
In mid-December 2005, Bova Ristorante opened its doors to the public and received accolades beyond Bova’s wildest expectations. “ ‘Wow, wow, wow’ — we keep hearing it,” Bova says. “We won ‘Best Designed Restaurant’ and tied for ‘Best New Restaurant’ in the Reader’s Choice Awards from Boca Raton magazine the first month we opened.” Since its opening, Bova Ristorante has also acquired a long list of high-profile patrons, including actor Adam Sandler and advertising mogul and show host Donnie Deutsch.
As Brosché puts it, “Bova Ristorante is a place to see and be seen — and at the same time, it is a place to have an intimate, quiet dining experience,” he says. “It truly is a space like no other.” For more information, visit www.bovaristorante.com or call 561/362-7407.

	When owner Tony Bova consulted designer Michael Brosché about designing the interior of his new Boca Raton restaurant, he requested that the space convey two words: “wow power.” “We’ve accomplished our goal if our guests say ‘wow’ when they walk in the door,” Bova says. “I wanted to create a ‘nuevo classical’ ambiance that would embody Boca Raton’s ultra-sophisticated, metropolitan-modern style, and would offer unique private dining areas.” Bova named the restaurant Bova Ristorante “to put extra pressure on myself to succeed,” he says. Brosché, who has designed the interiors of seven other restaurants for Bova, knew exactly what to do to achieve his vision. First, Brosché worked with architectural firm Studio K to adapt the exterior’s existing Mediterranean style to embrace a more modern look. He then turned to the interior, where he custom-designed bars, tables, cabinetry, wine racks, ceilings — practically everything except the chairs — to suit the new style. One of the main changes Brosché made was repositioning the bar to run the length of one side of the space, instead of having it occupy the front section. “I wanted to create a ‘lounge-y’ area that was not the focal point,” Brosché says. Parallel to the bar, he incorporated limestone walls with rectangular cutouts to form intimate dining areas. “To develop private and semi-private dining areas throughout the restaurant, we designed limestone partitions with cutouts, glass walls and sheer drapes,” Brosché says. “That way, the areas still feel open, but guests never feel exposed.” A monochromatic scheme and clean-lined furnishings perpetuate the interior’s open, modern feel. A daring white palette contrasts dramatically with cool limestone walls and the warm wood tones of Brazilian cherry-wood flooring and mahogany cabinetry. “The effect is high-contrast, while establishing low-key elegance,” Brosché says. Champagne-colored booths add a touch of iridescent shimmer. For the lighting, Brosché worked with lighting designer Paul Hixson of Utah-based Helius Lighting to create a romantic ambiance. “I love drama in lighting,” Brosché says, “and the use of uplighting and spot lighting creates just the right calming mood.” Brosché also designed simple white “hatbox” fixtures with iridescent shades to softly illuminate many of the tables. In mid-December 2005, Bova Ristorante opened its doors to the public and received accolades beyond Bova’s wildest expectations. “ ‘Wow, wow, wow’ — we keep hearing it,” Bova says. “We won ‘Best Designed Restaurant’ and tied for ‘Best New Restaurant’ in the Reader’s Choice Awards from Boca Raton magazine the first month we opened.” Since its opening, Bova Ristorante has also acquired a long list of high-profile patrons, including actor Adam Sandler and advertising mogul and show host Donnie Deutsch. As Brosché puts it, “Bova Ristorante is a place to see and be seen — and at the same time, it is a place to have an intimate, quiet dining experience,” he says. “It truly is a space like no other.” For more information, visit www.bovaristorante.com or call 561/362-7407.
This semi-private dining area embodies what owner Tony Bova calls the restaurant’s “nuevo classical” ambiance.

INTERIOR DESIGN Michael Brosché Associates, Inc., Delray Beach, FL ARCHITECTURE Studio K, Boca Raton, FL TEXT Sara Linda PHOTOGRAPHY Robert Brantley, Delray Beach, FL

Designer Michael Brosché used a predominantly white palette throughout, including white marble tabletops and soft white sheers. Champagne-colored booths add a touch of iridescent shimmer.

White “hatbox” light fixtures gently illuminate the larger dining area. Natural Brazilian cherry-wood flooring provides a warm contrast to the white chairs and walls.

“The semi-private dining areas feel open, but guests never feel exposed,” Brosché says.

Brosché custom designed the entire bar — including the mahogany cabinetry, wine racks, canvas sails suspended from the ceiling, and white onyx bar front with black granite countertops.

The bar contains semi-private dining areas, separated by limestone walls with rectangular cutouts. “The cutouts give the areas openness, while still preserving a sense of privacy,” Brosché says.

Surrounded by white sheers, this dining area allows guests to “see and be seen,” while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.