It’s neither a luxury car showroom nor a traditional retail space – Intersect by Lexus in Dubai’s International Financial Centre is a funky hybrid of the two. The recently opened boutique and cafe is the second of its kind globally, following the concept’s debut in Toko two years ago. Interior designer Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall, was the mastermind behind the décor of the space, which claims to be “a place for guests to experience the Lexus brand without getting behind the steering wheel”.
The design:
Intersect is best described as a multi-purpose space with motoring touches and elegant nods to the luxury car brand. There’s an imposing bamboo facade, for example, inspired by the Lexus Spindle Grille and banquettes made from the same leather used in the Lexus LFA supercar.
The food:
The first floor boasts a 1850-sq-ft sunken kitchen and elevated eatery serving “feel good cuisine” by culinary artisan chef Tomas Reger. Light and uncomplicated dishes – ranging in price from Dh40 to Dh140 – include Irish fillet of salmon, beet and barley risotto and Portuguese octopus. Intersect has also partnered with the RAW Coffee Company to bring new and exclusive coffees to its list of beverages each season. connoisseurs will be keen to learn that a rare and highly-prized Ethiopian Harrar is currently brewing in-house.
The garage:
Hexagonal black and white tiles, resembling tire tracks, lead visitors to the lower floor and a 500 sq.ft. garage-cum-event space. A standout feature is a wall built entirely of Lexus cars. Almost 1,500 miniature models, spanning the history of the brand, are playfully vertically parked while three full-size models take centre stage on the ground. There’s the LFA No.14, driven at the Nürburgring 24-hours tour in 2009, and the Lexus LX, a luxury SUV flagship model that has proven popular in Dubai. Last but not least, Intersect is home to Lexus’ LF-LC concept car with its distinctive rear architecture and dramatic silhouette.
The extras:
Intersect houses a curated library specialising in English, Arabic and Japanese literature, design, art, architecture and lifestyle. Guests are encouraged to browse the books and ornaments, showcased within six minimalistic columns in the dining and entertainment area.
The venue also has a boutique, Crafted for Lexus, selling a diverse range of handmade items from Roberu travel bags, Kaneko Optical sunglasses and Tamaki Niime shawls to One Kiln cups and Ito Bindery drawing pads.
The calendar:
In 2016, Intersect will host a variety of events and exhibitions from workshops, to industry talks and music nights.
For details about upcoming events, visit www.lexus.com
Intersect by Lexus is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre, Village Gate, building 7, opposite Art Sarwa. Guests are welcome from 8 am to 12 pm, Sunday through Friday. For more information, visit www.lexus.ae
rduane@thenational.ae
