As a method for creating balance in a space, Feng Shui is a very effective tool. Creating this balance, Feng Shui experts will work with you to make sure you have a good balance of the five traditional elements of wood, fire, metal, water and earth. Balancing these elements; however, does not mean that you won’t have a dominant element. This dominant element will help you determine the kind of experience you’ll have in a space.
You can use this insight to gauge what you can expect at any place, say even a restaurant, which is exactly what I did during a recent trip to New York City. I had dinner one Thursday night at the Rare Bar & Grille on Lexington Ave. As I was seated, I decided to put on my Feng Shui lens. This is my first Feng Shui review of a restaurant, that I hope you’ll find valuable.
First Impression
So, as I walked in (from the hotel where I was staying), I noticed first that it was loud and bustling: A lot of people, a line to be seated and staff weaving in and out. The bar was to my left, with every seat filled, a few bar tables to my right, also filled. Straight ahead, the hostess was tending to the line, quickly finding places for the guests. From a Feng Shui perspective, all this activity and interaction is indicative of the element of Fire.
This would seem to be the exact environment you’d want to create for a bar. So the question becomes, how does the Feng Shui of the place support this energy? Typically fire is represented by bright colors, a variety of décor, a well-lit area and angular shapes.
While there was one wall that was red, red pendulum lights hung over the bar and some red booths, overall, the décor was very dark. Dark square tables, darkly painted bricks, subdued colors on the walls, and limited light. The space also was more cave-like, with beams on the ceiling and a cramped space with small tables lined up right next to each other in rows. At first glance, not much fire here.
Digging Deeper
Another key aspect of the Feng Shui elements; however, is how they interact with one another. For instance, the Wood element is enhanced by the Water element, which makes sense when you consider how dependent plants are on Water. The same goes for each of the elements; and for anyone who has sat before a campfire, it’s clear that the element that most strengthens Fire is Wood.
So taking this assessment one layer deeper, the fire element I was experiencing made more sense. Dark wood beams on the ceilings, wooden tables and chairs all seemed to dominate the space. In addition, the square tables where I sat were lined right next to each other creating a long column of tables (column shapes are indicative of the Wood element). All this Wood is helping to “stoke the Fire” element.
In Feng Shui, it’s not just about one element; it’s about balancing all the elements to create a good experience. There was evidence at Rare of the other elements, some more than others.
Water was evident in the limited lighting in the dining area and the wait staff all were dressed in black, adding some needed “yin” energy. (Water is the most yin element and can be represented by the color black and subdued dark atmospheres).
Earth, a nice stabilizing element to help us stay grounded (and for a restaurant this would be important to make sure they are staying on top of practical matters of the business), was evident in the rustic brick walls and strong square tables.
The Metal element symbolizes an orderly, sometimes museum-like quality. At Rare, this was apparent in some respects in the décor, with well-placed and almost sparse pictures, but even more so in the wait staff who were well-dressed, efficient, professional and respectful amid a lot of seeming chaos.
The Food
Of course, you don’t go to a restaurant just for the atmosphere. It’s about the food. I ordered Rare’s Ribeye Burger (medium rare) and sweet potato fries. The food came quickly (as you might expect from the Metal staff working in a Fire environment).
The towering cheeseburger arrived on a white, round plate, with the fries in a separate white bowl. Feng Shui-wise, this is a Metal presentation – separating each food item, allowing each to shine on its own with a strong contrast between the food and the white of the dishes. The cheeseburger was big and greasy and messy (my avocado slipped off a couple times and I was glad to have a good linen napkin) and very good. The fries provided a nice slightly sweet accompaniment.
Comfort foods like these are very Earth – which is the perfect kind of food to have in a Fire environment – helping you to stay grounded despite the energy around you. I would definitely recommend this meal.
Balance Assessment
So in summary, the primary element here is Fire, which can work well for a social and lively environment, and create a good inflow/outflow of a variety of patrons.
With the predominance of Wood, the Fire element may get somewhat unruly with passionate conversations that can create issues in such close quarters (for instance, I was sitting next to two men who were discussing their recent exploits in great detail – not my idea of good dinner conversation). The Wood beams above many of the tables also can create a more cramped and even oppressive feeling, which isn’t ideal Feng Shui.
The very Metal/Water wait staff helped to balance the energy as did the great Earthy food, but not enough to offset the Fire. From a Feng Shui perspective of creating a balanced experience, Rare didn’t measure up, with its predominance of Fire.
That said, it’s hard to beat good food and good service, and sometimes you’re just looking for a good time in a fast-paced, energetic space with lively conversation.
