Broken Spanish Comedor
Broken Spanish Comedor marks the highly anticipated return of chef Ray Garcia’s modern Mexican-American restaurant, reopening as a permanent comedor after its pandemic-era closure. What began as a pop-up quickly evolved into a long-term home, shaped by the excitement surrounding its return and a desire to honor the spirit of the original while moving the space forward. The design builds on that foundation with added depth, texture, and intention.
Reuse and continuity played a central role in the process. Many furnishings and finishes were salvaged and repurposed, giving the space an immediate sense of history and grounding. These elements anchor the room, creating familiarity and warmth while allowing newer layers to feel considered rather than overly polished.
The kitchen serves as a visual anchor, wrapped in glossy sage-green basket-weave tile and layered with bold, graphic wallpaper overhead. Throughout the space, textured plaster walls, softly glowing linen-wrapped pendants, and custom furniture pieces are balanced with collected décor and lush plantings to create a warm, lived-in atmosphere. Subtle references to earlier iterations of Broken Spanish—through textiles, hanging greenery, handcrafted details, and tactile accents—quietly connect past and present without feeling literal.
At its core, the design reimagines modern Mexican dining through Chef Garcia’s soulful, expressive lens rooted in cultural storytelling. The idea of comedor—a place to gather and eat together—guided the approach, emphasizing intimacy over spectacle and warmth over formality. A palette of warm neutrals, saturated earth tones, and touches of ochre keeps the space energized yet grounded.
The result is a restaurant that feels alive—layered, refined, and rooted in memory. Comfortable and welcoming, yet striking enough to give pause, it reflects a balance of familiarity and renewal, much like the return it represents.
