Gastronaut to Create a Concept of Modern Store
Gastronaut came up with an idea to create a completely new concept of the restaurant, which is now located on the territory of MOXY. "Rigi" - the restaurant will receive guests from the end of September.
As the founder of Gastronaut, Levan Kokiashvili noted on the matters of the new concept of Rigi, together with the creative director, Lali Papashvili, he had a meeting with a designer Esma Khetsuriani.
"The question we asked Esma Khetsuriani was: let's imagine, that we've cut Georgia from the map and it is located somewhere on the borders of France and Italy, where Osteria was born. How would have Georgian store developed if we would not be a part of the Soviet Union? In our opinion, if such a store would have a modern look, just like Osteria moved from 1930's dark, dirty concept to the level of Fine Dining."
"When we work on the concept, authenticity is utterly important. For example, during working on the Puri Guliani project, we used the world "Sakhabazo, instead of an English bakery. This tendency was adopted by others and not long ago, we came across a project completely unknown to us, which was called Sakhabazo. We are glad, that the hospitality field started to learn this direction and tries to get on the right track. This industry is still being developed due to pandemic and gastronomy is what we think the main field to be introduced in the market. The process is very tasteful - we exchange our thoughts and ideas are born when discussing the matters. First of all, we create the project philosophy, which is done in three months. The whole concept and philosophy include every detail which will be inside the restaurant.", noted Levan Kokiashvili.
As for the interior, they decided to focus on storytelling.
"This is the reason why we are working with Esma Khetsuriani, who understands well what is the legend and storytelling in this space. Generally, we have such an approach, that everything works together, name, branding, interior, kitchen, which are united when working on the concept.", said Lali Papashvili.
"As for the menu, gastronomic researcher, and chairwoman of the Gastronomic Association of Georgia, Dali Tsatava carried out the main concept. She researched, what the menu would look like in a Tbilisi store. We spent more than 4 months in doing this research. In the old days, when social networks did not exist, the main news of the city would be spread in the city stores. We will have Chakhokhbili of Vakhtang Gorgasali. This is the main dish of Tbilisi, which Dali Tsatava found. We could not find the exact receipt, but this name became a source of inspiration.
Georgian gastronomy is developing rapidly and gastronauts are sure, that it will take its part on the map of world gastronomy. We will be happy if more gastronomic stores will appear in Tbilisi since the city needs to develop this exact style.", said Levan Kokiashvili.