Drunken Ox Sober Cat (DOSC) Restaurant Design

Project Type: Restaurant

This restaurant was the ultimate to work on. Firstly, the location, an old heritage site building right in the heart of downtown Edmonton. The bones of this space is incredible. Big old fir wood beams, exposed brick, and an aura of vintage and history.

Long time local restaurant owners contacted me in regards to this new exciting project. They wanted to create a restaurant that basically had two personalities, two offerings. A steak house with a funky evening vibe and a coffee shop breakfast hot spot with artisan offerings. Hence the name. Originally the name was to be The Drunken Ox at Night and The Sober Cat in the Morning! Quite the mouthful, but it conjured up wonderful images.

The client’s had an idea of what they wanted, but were willing and excited to explore possibilities with me. I couldn’t have been more excited to dig into this project.

It seemed to me that the foundation of this place was the name sakes. I went on the hunt to find their portraits and I did. I found an artist who had already created the ox and the cat, but we worked together on bringing out some embellishments and giving them life. I had them framed in gorgeous gold leaf frames and they hang near the entrance of DOSC watching over their domain.

At one point, I had written a story of the drunken ox and sober cat. We had discussed having it painted along the wall. The print to look vintage, almost like an old type written letter. This was one of many funky ideas. We worked with many, but could only bring so many to life in this space. If you are curious, I’ve added the story below!

One idea that stuck was a wall mural. In particular, the mural was to tell the story of DOSC. Roots in Edmonton, locally grown, the ox and the cat with a twist of edgy. We played around with the story and in fact had a couple of different artist’s try their hand. Finally, the right fit was found. Grady, with Rad Originals created an epic mural that runs along the kitchen wall near the private dining area.

One of the most fun elements for me to work on was the ladies washroom. I was told it needed to be “insta worthy” This is important stuff nowadays! I was fortunate to work with the talented team at River City Tile who created an incredible tile backsplash for this washroom. There is a bit of a secret in that backsplash. It is truly work of art. Extremely feminine art is all I’ll say!

To this we added a concrete counter top to juxtapose the glossy elegance of the backsplash. Hammered brass metal sinks again add another layer. The planter in the centre brings some life and function of course! I worked with Forge 53 to ensure that the client’s could house their paper towels etc. in the planter. Keeping the counter tops clean and clear, but still allowing room for toiletries. Plants throughout the restaurant bring life and energy.

The restaurant was to have two bars, one in the front for the sober cat coffee breakfast area and one at the back for the cocktails steakhouse area. The bars themselves were one aspect, but we needed something for all the glassware and to draw the eyes up. The upper shelving around both bars was completely custom and made here in Edmonton by Forge 53.

Another really cool feature that I love is the space wrapping around the kitchen. The client’s wanted something that stood out for this area. I loved the idea of having metal work like the nights sky with backlight giving the illusion of stars. This idea evolved and we ended up with a constellation and scenery! Such a cool feature that again wouldn’t have been possible without the talents of Forge 53.

This project had so many elements, from lighting, to drapery, to wallpaper, fixtures, plants, and the list goes on and on! The design and creation of this space took a team of talented and hardworking people and I feel privileged to have worked with them all.

The client’s were so much fun to work with and challenged me in the most awesome way. Every time I’d come in and we’d talk about ideas or details, they would always say “Bolder, wilder, crazier!” I loved that, they didn’t want limitations, they wanted boundless creativity and I think that is what they got.

DOSC is located in Edmonton at 10190 – 104 St NW https://dosc.ca/

– An interpretive story –

Once upon a time in the village of E, the cat arose from his nap and decided coffee was in order this fine afternoon. He meandered to his favourite of places and was pleased to discover many of his friends had already convened and were partaking in the most delicious of coffee’s and scrumptious morsels. The afternoon was indeed a delight.

Soon the eve was upon them. And deeper into the merry establishment they went. Mouth watering food tickled their senses! The cat, feeling rather bold, began to sample all the splendid beverages that were so skillfully prepared before him. Music played, and the world spun itself into the most memorable and enchanted of occasions. At the end of the evening, the cat stood in the mirror. He did not recognize the reflection. He was not the sober cat now. Instead found himself staring into the eyes of the the drunken ox. He laughed heartily at his old chum.

The next morning, as the drunken ox stomped away, once again the sober cat arose, sniffing the air, he decided a fresh cup of coffee was in order and he made his way to his favourite place in the village of E.
by Jennifer, House of J